Siesta Sand -- June 2023

Did time run out in Tallahassee?

Incorporation bill receives unanimous approval of one committee before being ignored and fading away; Save Siesta Key wants answers

By John Morton

It was like making the show but never seeing the stage. Indeed, Save Siesta Key had what one could call the “green room” experience from hell as members of the team seeking incorporation of the island watched its House Bill 923 sit in limbo for more than five weeks before fading away into nothingness during the recent meeting of the Florida Legislature that concluded May 5. How this bewildering development, or lack thereof, took place is unknown but the board members, who waited two years and spent more than $265,000 to get to this point,

will now be seeking answers.

Most puzzling of all was how the bill, assigned to three committees in advance of what would be votes by the House and Senate pending their approvals, shot out quickly with flying colors. On March 29, the Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee voted 17-0 in favor of it, with the Ways & Means Committee and State Affairs Committees up next. But, despite what appeared to be plenty of breathing room on the calendar, those committees never put the matter on their

South sand project going smoothly

By John Morton

It’s so far, so good for the $8.2 million South Siesta Beach Repair Project, as smooth sailing is the report from Carolyn Eastwood, the director of Sarasota County’s capital projects.

“Everything is moving along as planned,” Eastwood said.

Only one day of bad weather has emerged since the project’s April 24 inception, it coming on Sunday, April 30 as strong winds and waves crashed Turtle Beach, home of the worksite. But Eastwood said no significant sand loss occurred.

Otherwise, as of the middle of May the dumping of about 25,000 cubic yards of sand

had occurred on the beach during the first three weeks. At that roughly 8,333 cubic-yardsper-week average, with a June 30 deadline in mind, the pace would bring the total to about 85,000 cubic yards being in place. That’s about 10,000 cubic yards shy of the 95,000 cubic yards needed to facilitate the beach’s needs.

In 2016, a renourishment of the area saw a major setback when Hurricane Hermine washed away a portion of the new sand, necessitating today’s project.

As of now, about 65 trucks continue to make two round trips per day back and forth from

agenda.

The Ways & Means Committee’s vicechairman happens to be state Rep. James Buchanan, the Osprey resident and former Siesta Key resident who represents District 74. As a member of the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation, he twice voted against the local incorporation effort -- in January 2022 when

he cited a lack of money in the proposed budget for infrastructure in what would be a 3-3 vote in defeat, and again in January 2023 as the lone no vote when he cited his lack of comfort with the island’s proximity to the city of Sarasota in what would be a 3-1 vote in favor of the bill moving forward.

Did Buchanan play a role in keeping the bill off the committee’s agenda?

He was asked that question by the Siesta Sand in an email but had not responded by press time.

Continued on page 16

Page 9

Midnight Pass gets $1 million

Happiness Is…Knowing the Future

Okay, maybe not knowing the actual future…but knowing that the future is in good hands. Jerry and Jill Williams, the owners of Abel’s Ice Cream, are excited about this year’s graduating class, and they are certain the future is bright.They’re proud to present this year’s graduating seniors.

Liam, whose favorite flavor is Caramel Caribou, will be a marketing major at Auburn University. He’s also going to be a collegiate swimmer. Addie favorite flavor is Birthday Cake, and she is headed to Savannah,

GA to study art and design with the dream of becoming an artist.

Bella’s favorite flavor is Elephant Ears and is headed to Idaho to learn the welding trade and is focused on becoming a singer.

Maggie, a bigtime Cookie Dough fan, will be attending the University of Northwestern Ohio to play tennis on scholarship and major in Business Administration. Last but not least, Samantha has received her first degree and will continuing her schooling in English Literature. Her favorite flavor is Purple Daze.

Pop in when you can and congratulate these superstars on their successes and encourage them to change the world for good.While you’re there, grab a cup or cone of your favorite summertime ice cream flavor.

Abel’s is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at our website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

A mountain of newly delivered sand slowly gets thinned out at Turtle Beach. (photo by John Morton)

Continued on page 14

Buchanan

Citizen’s

ar-REST! Citizen’s arREST!

It was 60 years ago when Jim Nabors chased Barney Fife down the streets of Mayberry, telling the world he was taking matters into his own hands. Google it if you don’t remember this episode of the Andy Griffith Show – it’s a classic.

But an antiquated notion? No, not at all, if you plan to join the S.S.S. In fact, you should practice bellowing out those very words, as it will be your battle cry.

If C. Everett Koop was here, I’d have him and Woodsy Owl ride in on Joe Camel for this one.

Folks, with a smoking ban finally coming to life on Siesta Key’s public beaches (see article on page 6), enforcement will have to come from us all. And the Siesta Smokeout Squadron will be front and center, serving as the community’s watchdog. Remember how the Guardian Angels practiced vigilantism in the late ‘70s on the New York City subways? We’re talking about the same thing here –but don’t worry, you won’t be forced to wear one of those silly raspberry berets for which they were known. No, I was thinking more along the lines of magenta.

Now, as much as I’d love to give violators a good swift kick in the ashtray, this will have to be done without violence. Last year, when the Florida Legislature voted to allow local governments to enforce such a ban, I suggested the creation

Greetings from the Gulf

The S.S.S. isn’t here just to blow a lot of smoke

By John Morton

of a Facebook page of shame where you can post pics of people puffing away on Siesta. I still like this passive-aggressive idea.

Yet you must be comfortable with engaging in a bit of namecalling. “Yo, butthead!” will be how you address our enemy. It’s in the manual.

Stomping out beach smoking may not be easy – especially in flip-flops – but we can do it!

Meanwhile, since we are already policing our prized beaches, we need to confront these dopey diggers who are leaving giant holes in the sand. They are ankle busters for us and graveyards for the sea turtles.

Oh, get this – the recent phenomenon of digging as deep as you can and photographing your pathetic paleontology has been traced to some moronic TikTok challenge.

(Author’s note: I just learned that the TikTok crap that shows up on your phone is directly associated with your algorithms. Lordy, do I need to get to church!)

Then there are those annoying electric bikes that still illegally blast down our beach. That sunset tour still thrives, and our local sheriff’s substation sergeant says he has yet to catch the participants doing anything illegal. He’s even conducted secret surveillance, but says they are always pedaling when viewed.

Put your phone on video and document this activity. I can’t think of better evidence than a grinning octogenarian, pedaling once or twice every 100 feet, cruising along at 25 mph. It’s something I see all the

time.

Finally, if we are going to talk the talk we must walk the walk. A beach cleanup is set for June 8 (see details on page 4) and another for the morning after the Fourth of July. These outings will reinforce our mission when we see the hundreds of cigarettes mixed into our quartz paradise. And a reminder: Debris of the

non-tobacco variety is still being sought by the tremendously trashy Dave Skaggs. His truck is at the public beach parking lot Saturday and Sunday mornings, awaiting contributions. What he does with all the junk is amazing – check out his website at davesworldart.com.

(John Morton is managing editor of Siesta Sand.)

Word on the beach

Should Save Siesta Key attempt a third incorporation effort?

Lisa Siesta Key “Yes. What do they have to lose? And I don’t want Siesta Key to get any bigger than it already is.”

Dawn Siesta Key “Yes. Like they say, the third time’s the charm. And we do need to have our own local government. Keep going!”

Paul Siesta Key “It should. It’s a daunting task, and a lot of people have fought the good fight. If there’s a third time, make certain that everyone is paying attention because I’m sure this would be it -- one last, final effort.”

Pat Siesta Key “Yes. I was a police officer in a village and everything you did, everything you said, mattered to your neighbors. We need that here.”

It’s Siesta’s turn for a little pick-me-up

Annual World Ocean Day event, sponsored by local Realtor group and Mote Marine, is June 8 at the public beach

By Hannah Wallace

In an area famous for its beautiful beaches, debris is an unfortunate side effect of our popularity. Individual beachgoers may think a single, small discarded item could hardly sully our vast shorelines, but bottle caps, can tabs, cigarette butts and even metal confetti add up to a lot of junk on a daily basis.

Beach cleanup efforts — especially when paired with science education — are one way to stem this particular trash tide.

“It’s shocking how much garbage and debris we can pick up in such a short amount of time, with so many eyes looking for stuff,” said Meagan West-Jones, local president of the Women’s Council of Realtors Sarasota and CEO of the Coffey Group at Keller Williams.

On June 8, for the second year in a row, the Realtor group is promoting a World Ocean Day beach cleanup event to collect debris, spread information, and foster environmental enthusiasm among its members and the general public.

Last year’s Ocean Day event, which took place on Lido Beach, was part of the Council’s

support for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, its 2022 “Charity of Choice.”

(The Council raised about $13,000 in total for Mote from a number of charity efforts throughout the year.) The Lido cleanup drew around 50 people, including kids and families.

And while the Council is supporting a different Charity of Choice for 2023, the group has officially partnered with Mote for this year’s Ocean Day cleanup, which will take place on Siesta Key public beach, starting at 7 a.m. at the Sand Pavilion, 948 Beach Rd.

Representatives from Mote will be on hand to provide information about the beaches and how litter affects them.

“I was shocked at how many bottle caps and tabs there are,” said West-Jones. “The number of cigarette butts, too. They have so many harmful chemicals in them, and they don’t break down.”

Metal confetti from parties, too, often gets

left behind on local beaches. “People don’t think about that,” said West-Jones. “That’s not breaking down. If an animal ingests that, it can be really harmful.”

West-Jones noted that the Realtors can then take this information with them and share it with people who are interested in moving to Siesta Key and the Sarasota area in general. Their hope is that new residents will join them in protecting the local waterways.

“I don’t think of us as salespeople. We’re really advisors and consultants, helping people make the best decisions for themselves and their families,” she said. “Our duty is to be responsible stewards for the community.”

The public is encouraged to join the cleanup event on June 8 — and to continue those efforts year-round.

“We would love to have as many people as possible,” said West-Jones. “Who doesn’t love a great reason to be out on the beach with your toes in the sand, doing some good for the community?”

West-Jones

On June 8, those interested in the World Ocean Day event are to meet at 7 a.m. at the Sand Pavilion (above) before hitting the beach for some clean-up effort. (file photos)

Island Chatter

Sea turtle nesting season has returned; what you should know to help protect them

The sea turtle nesting season began May 1 on Siesta Key. They are a protected species, and your help in providing them the correct environment to thrive is crucial.

Some reminders:

Keep your distance – Never approach or touch a nesting sea turtle. Remain quiet and keep all lights off (including flash photography and cell phones).

Touching, prodding or shining lights may cause the sea turtle to not lay her eggs or disturb her and affect how well she covers and camouflages the nest.

Let hatchlings emerge – If you see hatchlings on the beach, allow them to crawl to the ocean on their own. Do not remove or dig hatchlings out of a nest. Removing sand above the nest will make it more difficult for the hatchlings to emerge.

Avoid the dunes and vegetation

– Enter the beach at designated access points and avoid walking on the dunes or beach vegetation.

Turn off lights – Keep lights at your house off while not in use and close your blinds at night to avoid adding to overall sky glow.

Fill in your holes – Fill all holes back in and knock over sand castles so that nesting turtles and hatchlings can’t fall into them and aren’t hindered as they crawl on the beach.

Draw the blinds – If you own or are using a beachfront property, make sure to close your blinds and avoid the use of unshielded outdoor lighting fixtures.

Don’t leave it behind – Remove obstacles such as beach chairs, tables, water-sport equipment and umbrellas before dark.

Beach smoking ban set in motion

By John Morton

The cart before the horse?

While Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith acknowledges that many details regarding implementation and enforcement will be required, on April 25 he jumped at the chance to enact a smoking ban on county beaches and in county parks.

“I believe we should move forward with this, and then we can fine-tune how we’re going to enforce it,” said Smith, who promptly made a motion after a brief discussion following a smoking-ban-related presentation by Nicole Rissler, the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. “The bottom line is we’ve got to stop the smoking at our beaches and our parks.”

Commissioner Joe Neunder, who like Smith represents part of Siesta Key, seconded the motion. They are the board’s two newest members, being elected in November.

The commissioner voted 4-1 in favor of the ban, with Mike Moran saying no. A start date for the ban has yet to be determined.

“I believe government’s role is to protect us from ourselves on occasion. That’s why we have seatbelts,” said smith, a Siesta Key resident who said he lost his mother to congestive hear failure due to smoking.

“The litter is huge on Siesta Key and every other beach and beach access. To a smoker, all the world’s an ashtray.”

The ban would exclude filter-free cigars, as the plastic tips present an issue with litter. Vaping products were also not

included in the ban.

Cigarette filters can take as long as 10 years to decompose, and the notion of litter being a problem was at the forefront of the issue this time around. The potential for a smoking ban finally received support in March 2022 from the Florida Legislature. Three previous efforts by state Sen. Joe Gruters of Sarasota had been shot down, but in those cases secondhand smoke was among the focal points and tobacco lobbyists and civil rights groups fought hard in opposition.

When signed into law July 1, the new measure gave local counties and municipalities the right to enact a ban. The issue had been previously governed by the state, after local control was overturned in 2012 through a circuit court decision. Between 2007 and 2012, smoking on public beaches and in parks where youth activities were present had indeed been prohibited.

Sarasota County’s April 25 decision came after an Englewood resident, during public comment, said a recent beach clean-up on his beach resulted in the collection of more than 8,000 cigarette butts.

In opposition, Moran said “I have great hesitation having government trying to control people’s behaviors. I feel a real slippery slope here.”

Board chairman Ron Cutsinger, despite his favorable vote, agreed in part. “We have to be careful about people’s rights,” he said.

But he also voiced his disdain for smoking.

“When someone smokes near me, I have to get away. It takes over the whole area,” he said.

Shortly after last year’s state ruling, the local county municipalities of Sarasota, Venice, and Longboat Key immediately put a smoking ban in place.

“Them having a prohibition and not us does cause some confusion for visitors,” Rissler said of what had been an inconsistency throughout the region.

Former county commissioner Christian Ziegler brought the idea of a possible countywide ban to the board last fall, but former commissioner Nancy Detert suggested the topic be delayed so public education could take place. In February, Smith asked that it become a discussion item as soon as possible.

Now, the county staff will be coming forward with a proposed policy after reviewing what is on the books with the other municipalities.

Enforcement will be quite the challenge, Moran said, and should “not just be on the sheriff.”

He added that asking county employees to address violators would also be unrealistic and potentially problematic.

“When someone refuses, from that moment what exactly are you going to do?” he asked. “You’re also going to have a ‘Karen’ variable with this. People will call 911.”

Moran voiced the need to be aggressive

in penalties to set the tone for enforcement, going as high as $500 for a violation. Previously, $79 was the maximum penalty.

“If we could have the reputation that if you throw a cigarette on our beach, you’re going to get it,” he said of what he considers a needed mindset.

Cutsinger, meanwhile, suggested a robust educational campaign through signage and other materials, but also hoped the matter would police itself to some extent through peer pressure where people will say “Take that somewhere else. This is a smoke-free beach.”

“You won’t get 100% enforcement, but we’ll see an improvement regardless,” he added.

News of the upcoming ban pleased several Siesta Key residents who worked behind the scenes on the topic, as well as with Dr. Stephen Leatherman, whose popular “Dr. Beach” rankings have twice put Siesta Key at the top of his list. Leatherman in recent years has awarded extra points for smoke-free beaches when doing his calculations.

“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Catherine Luckner, president of the Siesta Key Association civic group. “I think Stephen Leatherman will be happy and many others will be thrilled to know they took some action on this.

“Anything we can do to keep the beaches safer, and cleaner, and continue to work on the water quality with which we are all in sync.”

Local businessman Mike Holderness has also worked with both Leatherman and Gruters. “It makes environmental and economic sense,” said Holderness, knowing both water quality and marketing for tourists will receive a boost. “We all should be thankful and very proud of our new Sarasota County Commission. This was a true legacy project.”

Trout Almondine, Macadamia Nut Encrusted Grouper, Cult favorites like Pizzas, Duck, Fish Tacos

Exec Chef Mike Yoder, one of the best chefs in the world

GM, Jacob Butler, and our friendly staff will provide a most entertaining experience.

Clayton is a fun, spirited, community guy and lifelong resident

Best Eatery in the country, says his mom “Kitten”

High School mentoring program teaching work ethic and responsibility

Locals’ Gathering Spot

Great Happy Hour from 4-6:30

ECO friendly restaurant

Proves you are not a member of the Chain Gang

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Smith

Gruters

Outdoor Waterfront Dining!

Open

… $22

Sea Scallops … $22

Shrimp and Seafood Au Gratin … $16

Fisherman Platter … $32

Baby Back Ribs … $24

Orange Pecan Chicken … $16

Filet Mignon … $24

Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $34

Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail … $48

Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail … $42

Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $54

FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS

Coconut Shrimp … $22

Large Gulf Shrimp … $20

Fish & Chips … $19

Fried Combo … $28

PASTA & BOWLS

Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $24

Salmon Pasta … $21

Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $21

Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp … $22

Pasta Primavera … $16

DESSERTS

Turtle Pie … $9

Key Lime Pie … $9

Sample Platter … $12

Ice Cream Bar … $6

*Prices subject to change*

Community Spotlight

Spanning the globe on behalf of the world’s women

Siesta

QYou recently were awoken on an international flight to receive some news. What was the circumstance?

AOn a recent trip to Frankfurt, Germany en route to Almaty, Kazakhstan and somewhere above the Atlantic, I made a million miles flown with United Airlines. In the post-pandemic era, I am told not nearly as many people make this milestone so they definitely had some fun with me. The pilot and first officer came out to find me, wake me and congratulate me. They gave me a signed congratulatory note, a coin that designates the million miles, and a glass of champagne. I was startled and pleasantly surprised. A little advance notice on the photo might have been nice but it all happened so fast!

QAs the CEO of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society, you travel the world with your mission. Can you tell us about some of your destinations? And what is the most important aspect of your role?

AOur members and constituents are all over the globe and wherever I travel. The trips are memorable and I am hopefully impactful for the region. I have traveled to all the continents of the world and as you can imagine the needs are different everywhere. It’s so important when thinking of these vast differences to be strategic and nimble with the resources available. Establishing partnerships with global organizations like the World Health Organization, the Union for International Cancer Control, and others helps to amplify our voice, the needs of our members who work tirelessly for women with gynecologic cancers and, equally important the voice of women afflicted with gynecologic malignancies.

QYou reside on Siesta Key at the Peppertree Bay complex. Tell us about your history with Siesta Key, and what brought you here?

AIt has been such a very special place for me and my family, with 30-plus years of coming to the area,

starting with Longboat Key and then one day our kids told us they heard of this place called Siesta Key. Of course, we knew Siesta Key -- from our prechildren era -- and for the last 25 years it’s been Siesta Key for us. Birthdays, spring breaks, Christmas, and now we are fortunate enough to call Siesta Key home.

The transition for our family wasn’t even a transition -- our three kids know this Key better than us most days. What an amazing place to live -- everyone is happy, it’s sunny, the majority of people are on vacation, and there’s a beach like none other. Need I say more?

Oh wait, the sunsets!

QWeunderstand that several people from your former residence of Naperville, Illinois have bought on Siesta Key and now call the island home at least part of the time. Just a coincidence, or a group effort?

ASome may say it’s a coincidence but subtle references -- and anyone who knows me knows there is not a lot of subtlety about me -- as to how great Siesta Key is has no doubt been effective. It’s great to have more and more friends from the area where we used to live in a place like Siesta. You meet friends of friends and then we all are friends!

Many are not year-rounders like us quite yet but it’s coming. There are so many options on Siesta Key for full-time residency or those who are still in a transition. To them I say pull the trigger.

QWith your leadership background in mind, if Siesta Key finds a way to become a municipality would you ever consider running for town council?

AMy organization is 100% dependent on volunteerism with members who want to give back, so it only seems logical that as passionate as I am about Siesta Key I would give back and do my part. I hope someday we see Siesta Key become a municipality and that I can play a small role in shaping the future of this beautiful place for the next generations.

Above, a surprise wakeup visit from the flight crew had Mary Eiken all smiles above the Atlantic Ocean when she reached a million miles with United Airlines. Below, life in Siesta Key paradise with her husband, Ron, on Valentine’s Day. (submitted photos)

$1 million set aside for Midnight Pass

Sarasota County’s request for $1 million in state funding toward the possible restoration of Midnight Pass was honored during the Florida Legislature session that ended May 5. It marks the first time the state has contributed toward the issue.

Midnight Pass used to run between Siesta Key and Casey Key and connect the Gulf of Mexico with Little Sarasota Bay.

In 1983, Sarasota County gave permission to two homeowners on Siesta Key to fill-in the shifting pass and attempt to move it. They felt their properties were being threatened. No alternate flow was

created, the result being the area turning into one continuous beach while the bay was choked off.

“It is very exciting ... this is the first time our elected leaders have unanimously supported cleaning Little Sarasota Bay and restoring the pass,” said Jamie Miller, spokesman for Midnight Pass Society II -- the 501(c)(3) nonprofit group that two years ago resurrected the pursuit of a remedy. “These leaders include our local board of county commissioners, our county’s legislative delegation, and our U.S. Rep. Greg Steube.”

The money is represented in line item 1823-C of the 2023-24 budget.

By John Morton

The money would go toward research, design and permitting. The county must also decide on a plan of attack to re-establish a flow. Considerations include dredging a channel, making the waterway navigable for boats like it was before; creating a bridge-like culvert system; or running a pipe underground between the gulf and bay.

Having the state on board is critical in the area of permitting, county leaders have said. In fact, county attempts for permits in the past (1991 and 2008) were denied by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. Since

then, safeguards and standards have only increased.

At its December annual retreat, the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners made improvements to Little Sarasota Bay a priority, noting that Midnight Pass was part of that puzzle.

In April, David Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, addressed commissioners on the matter. He’ll be speaking publicly on the topic again at 4:30 to 6 p.m. June

1 at the meeting of the Siesta Key Association at St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd.

Parallel parking surprises neighbors

Siesta Promenade representatives receive workshop opposition regarding traffic-calming measure as new plans emerge

By John Morton

By adding two holdout parcels to its 28-acre construction site, Benderson Development has resubmitted plans again for its mixed-use Siesta Promenade project at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

The parcels come in the form of two houses along Glencoe Avenue, accounting for .78 acres.

“Nothing has changed in density – just more square footage, more land, and a little more breathing room,” said Phil DiMaria, a project manager with Kimley-Horn engineering, during a May 1

county-mandated neighborhood workshop conducted online. It was the third of its kind since Sarasota County approved the project in 2018. With the revision, plans must once again go before the county’s Planning Commission (tentatively set for the evening of June 15) and then the Board of County Commissioners for approval.

DiMaria said it’s the final concept plan.

But alas, attendees of the workshop noticed a change that

Continued on page 18

Midnight Pass before being closed-off by bulldozers in the early 1980s. (file photo)

An abandoned home on Glencoe Avenue sits along the edge of the Siesta Promenade mixed-use development parcel. (photo by John Morton)

March 14: theft/battery

The complainant indicated that he had gone to a Truist Bank ATM and noticed a white sedan occupied by two subjects. As the complainant left the bank on his skateboard, the two occupants of the sedan got out of the vehicle and threw a Twisted Tea can at him, punched him and tried to take his backpack.

Sheriff’s Report

He attempted to run away but one of the subjects made a motion that made the complainant believe he may have had a weapon.

The complainant dropped the backpack and fled. The value of the backpack and contents was valued at $828.

The Twisted Tea can was found at 4105 Higel Ave. and processed into evidence.

March 24: theft

The manager of a convenience store reported a theft whereby the assistant manager witnessed the two defendants grab multiple alcoholic beverages from the store and leave without paying. The assistant manager observed the alcoholic beverages protruding from the subjects’ pockets.

Deputies located two individuals matching the description provided by the assistant manager. The subjects were found carrying alcoholic beverages at 5151 Ocean Blvd. The subjects were placed under arrest and, in the process, one of the individuals proceeded to kick the window of the patrol car approximately 20 times.

March 27: theft

Complainant indicated that while she and her family were on vacation on Siesta Key, her juvenile son was at the beach and left his backpack at the beach while he went up to the condo. Upon return the backpack was missing.

His AirPod Pro headphones were in the backpack and, based upon the tracking capabilities for the device’s location, an attempt was made to locate the backpack. However, it was unsuccessful.

March 29: rental car theft

The complainant rented a car at the Sarasota airport on March 29 and last saw the vehicle at 1 a.m. March 30 parked in front of his rented condo. When he woke up, he noticed the car was gone. The rental company was alerted and confirmed the victim had paid in full for the rental car. Video surveillance was obtained.

April 3: theft

The complainant, who is the manager of a gas station store, indicated a white male came into the store and took a Mountain Dew ($2.79) and a bag of Munchies snack mix ($2.49).

The subject left the store and drove off in a golf cart, heading northbound on Ocean Boulevard.

Video footage of the incident showed the suspect was in the store with two other white males and started drinking the Mountain Dew in the store.

Roadwork will remain focal point into next year

to kick

after current project is complete

On Siesta Key, construction cones will continue to dominate the roadways both this fall and into next year.

As FDOT’s current 250-day, $3.6 million repaving of 1.65 miles along Midnight Pass Road (between Stickney Point Road and

Shadow Lawn Way) continues, Sarasota County has its sights on extending the repaving endeavor starting this fall on many of the island’s backroads near the Village, covering 26 lane miles and costing an estimated $9 million, according to Spencer Anderson, the county’s

By John Morton

public works director. Two main drags that will see work are Beach Road and Higel Avenue.

The bumpy northbound lane of Beach Road will receive more than repaving, Anderson said, and will be excavated to determine and possibly remove the cause of the

uneven stretch of roadway.

But first, June 12 is the start date for a separate project – the installation of a three-leg mini roundabout at the three-way intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Higel Avenue.

“This is a challenging

intersection — we’ve had a lot of complaints about it,” said Anderson of the troublesome spot where traffic stops on Ocean but not Higel, coupled with a sharp curve that is nearly 90 degrees. “This seems like a natural place for a roundabout.”

That curve, which is a common scene for accidents, will be smoothed out during the project, Anderson added.

Installation of the temporary roundabout will take about two weeks, and it will be part of a pilot project that features other traffic-softening measures in the area such as signage, markings, and speed cushions. Eventually, the roundabout could be left in place, removed, or bolstered with other elements to give it a more permanent feel. Made of recycled materials, the roundabout can withstand the force of semitrucks traveling over it – a scenario that would occasionally be needed in that tight intersection, Anderson said.

Meanwhile, the large $2.9 million roundabout planned for the intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road, near Fire Station 13, remains slated for the spring or summer of 2024 once tourist season ends and will have a seven-month completion goal. It will not cause any detours, Anderson has said, with at least a single lane of traffic available during its construction. It will feature a variety of designs to improve flow and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, county officials have said.

What’s new ... on Siesta Key Sandbar Swimwear joins Village’s retail community

Sandbar Swimwear started with a conundrum. In 2022, Barbara Bush and her husband, Matt, had finally realized their dream of living on Siesta Key — a dream they’d had since first moving to Florida in 2015.

“Every day before I come to the office, I’d go to the beach and walk,” said Barbara, an attorney practicing in Sarasota. But one cool morning last autumn, when Barbara decided on a whim to shop for a new bathing suit, she found the local retail spots had already switched to winter wear.

“We have one of the best beaches in the area. It was mind-blowing to me that there weren’t any [swimsuit] options,” she remembered. “If I want to go to the beach, I don’t want to leave the island [to shop], especially if I’m a tourist.”

Barbara and Matt quickly came to agreement: “We thought, ‘Here’s the need. No one’s offering it. Why not us?’” she said.

Barbara, who grew up in Chile, first met Matt when she came to his Arkansas high school as an exchange student. (“She was very unlucky to do an exchange there,” Matt laughed.) After graduation, Matt served in the Army and fell in love with southwest Florida while visiting a buddy in Englewood.

In 2015, he and Barbara packed up their jeep and moved down to the Sarasota-Manatee area. There, Barbara would continue to practice law while Matt worked as an EMT.

Seven years later, the move onto Siesta Key finally gave them “the full Florida experience,” said Barbara. And when looking for retail space, she added, “We always wanted to stay on Siesta. But there’s not that many retail locations. That was always one of the challenges.”

In March 2023, the Bushes opened Sandbar Swimwear in an upstairs storefront on Ocean Boulevard. They’re currently focused on women’s swimsuits and would like

By Hannah Wallace

to offer a variety of quality options, at a reasonable price point, for all ages and style preferences.

“Our main goal is we want to bring quality products, sustainable brands, recycled materials — that’s something that we’re passionate about,” said Barbara. “We have to do with the beach, the oceans, and we have to make sure we’re staying in line with that.”

In the future they hope to add men’s suits and other clothing options, beach accessories, and maybe even additional store locations on Lido and Anna Maria. They’re even talking to manufacturers about developing their own swimwear brand.

But for now, they’re taking things slowly. And for Barbara, who continues to work as an attorney, and Matt, who now commutes to Pinellas for his firefighter/EMT role, everything from inventory to advertising to product research has been a learning experience.

“We don’t have any experience in retail,” said Matt. “Finding suppliers was difficult. We’re still working on finding something for the older population. We’re finding out what they want and how we can get it for them. We’re not trying to steal business. We’re trying, if we can, to provide something unique.”

Indeed, their Siesta Village retail experience has been more about community than competition. Neighboring business owners have stopped by to offer tips and support, and the Bushes look forward to collaborations like hosting pop-up events with spray tan companies and other local vendors.

“Everybody in the community has been so supportive,” said Barbara. “This has been a very passionate project for us. We are learning as we go.”

The store is located at 5212½ Ocean Blvd., suite 4. Hours are 10 a.m. 50 5 p.m. daily. Visit sandbarswim. com or call (941) 237-0234.

Barbara and Matt Bush (submitted photo)

Store manager Natalie Rosander organizes some bikinis at Sandbar Swimwear. (photo by John Morton)

South Siesta Beach Repair Project

Continued from page 1 a sand mine in Lake Wales, located in central Florida. Hauling is being done 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The sand is being placed in a massive pile, hauled to the beach, and then spread throughout a 2-mile stretch. The procedure will add about 10 feet of width to the beach.

Currently, the northern part of Turtle Beach is being topped off, and June will see an emphasis on bolstering the areas to the south of

the stockpile where erosion is most significant, Eastwood said. Condos at Fisherman’s Haven along Blind Pass Road are dealing with beach widths as narrow as 5 feet, while homeowners south of that are seeing waves and sand crashing over the top of protective sea walls.

No project-related traffic incidents along Midnight Pass Road have been reported, Eastwood said, but county officials have asked homeowners to keep any service vehicles off the shoulder.

Mark Smith, the District 2 county commissioner who resides on Siesta Key, voiced his concern about road safety the day after the project began at an April 25 meeting.

“Midnight Pass is a narrow road, and those 4,600 dump trucks heading down there will be taking up the width of that road,” he said. “This is a bad way to get sand to the beach. Let’s hope to God no one gets hurt.”

Previous renourishment efforts at Turtle Beach utilized a barge, but the smaller amount of sand needed at this moment for the repair didn’t require such firepower, the county determined.

Eastwood also said no sea turtle nests have had to be relocated –something allowed, if necessary, by the permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Both Mote Marine and Audubon Florida are monitoring the turtles and shorebirds, respectively, Eastwood said.

The project was first set to begin in early March with a 60-day window for completion before the start of the sea turtle nesting season on May 1. With construction bids coming in late, the county requested a one-year extension with the idea of beginning in the fall, but never received a response. Eastwood confirmed that is still the case.

FEMA last year moved the project’s deadline up to June 30 after it discovered that Sarasota County was the only region in the country that had yet to use grant money earmarked for beach repair needs resulting from Hurricane Hermine.

Originally, 2026 was the target date and subsequent sand

placement may very well be needed in future years -- it just may not be covered by FEMA, whose grant total in this case will represent 85% of the cost. The balance will be covered by Sarasota County’s tourism budget.

Still, with the clock ticking, Smith hopes the county will continue to push for extra time.

“I do have a bit of concern that we might miss the deadline if we have bad weather or something along that line. So, I hope the staff is going to pursue the extension from FEMA, because we might need it,” he said at a May 9 commission meeting. “As it stands right now the contractor believes he’ll be on time, but he only has a day or two for a window.”

Overall, the commissioner gave praise for the results to date.

“I’d like to give a shoutout to the staff and to the company with the Turtle Beach renourishment – I have numerous spies in the area that are watching everything, and they report back to me that it’s going smooth and they are very pleased with the progress.

“Good work to all those involved.”

A tractor pushes sand into place on Turtle Beach.

(Photo by John Morton)

Reviewed January 29, 2023

Ann T via TripAdvisor FRESH, DELICIOUS SEAFOOD

As frequent visitors to Sarasota, we’re not sure how we managed to miss this place in the past. Now that we have found it, we will be back to sample everything.

We tried the stone crab chowder and the grouper tacos. Both were delicious and loaded with fish. Our tacos were dressed with a pineapple, watermelon salsa and accompanied by a side of wheatberry salad which had just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Our son also raved about his broiled tripletail which came with fresh green beans and potatoes. Prices, including beer, were reasonable and portions were plentiful.

Incorporation effort stalls

Buchanan is also a member of the State Affairs Committee, where another vote was needed.

Meanwhile, by the time April 28 came and went, leaving just five session days left with four votes needing to take place, the white flag was being waved. On that day, Save Siesta Key chairman Tim Hensey began to notify supporters of an outcome that has him perplexed.

“What we have learned from consultants is that bills that are not

Continued from page 1

in favor with leadership typically never get heard in any committee.

So, it is a little out of the ordinary that we passed the first committee unanimously and then stalled,” he said. Could the lack of action have been simply a matter of time getting away?

“We will meet with legislative leadership this summer to see if we can get answers as to why our bill stalled,” Hensey said. “It is possible,

with a seven-week schedule, they just ran out of time and had to prioritize. Based on what we learn, we will make a decision if a third try has any merit.”

State Rep. Fiona McFarland, the bill’s sponsor who represents Siesta Key in District 73, is chalking-up the lack of an outcome to that idea of a time crunch.

“More than 1,800 bills were filed this year, and while we had strong support for House Bill 923 time simply ran out for our initiative to be heard in its two final committees, as is required for passage,” McFarland said.

“Thank you to Save Siesta Key Inc. supporters who made their voices heard through local meetings events, emails, and phone calls throughout this process.”

Officially, the bill died in the Ways & Means Committee, as far as legislative records are concerned.

The lack of any action does not mean the incorporation subject is tabled. It would require, by law, a re-filing that includes what would be a third revision and submission of an application and feasibility study due by Sept. 1 for consideration for the 2024 legislative sessions beginning in January – an early start as the result of it being an election year.

“Updating the study for dates and figures where appropriate, and new election dates. No need to revise the narrative,” Lynn Tipton with the Florida League of Cities said of the process.

“The Legislature does not carry anything over. It also means scheduling your delegation again.”

That Sarasota County Legislative

Delegation will likely be made up of the same members again, seeing as 2023 is not an election year. Only another round of redistricting or resignations could potentially change that.

New member Michael Grant, who represents part of the county’s southern portion in District 75, had his favorable vote in January contingent on the insistence that any local referendum (representing the measure’s final step) be held during the November 2024 general election instead of a special election, where turnouts are consistently higher.

Thus, one thing the inaction in Tallahassee does not do is alter any local voting date.

The state’s only other attempt for incorporation this year suffered an even worse fate, one could argue, as an attempt to create a Village of Loxahatchee in Palm Beach County never received any committee vote of any kind despite being assigned the same path as Siesta Key.

Not since 2018 has a new municipality in Florida been created, it coming in the form of Indiantown in Martin County. That year an incorporation effort by Hobe Sound, also in Martin County, also made it through the legislature but was shot down by local voters in a subsequent referendum.

In 2020, an incorporation effort was presented by the Town of Preservation in Orange County but received no support at the committee level.

As for Save Siesta Key, it arrived at the capitol this spring with its guns blazing – on its payroll were

two Tallahassee-based lobbying groups (David Ramba, hired last year, and the Vogel Group, hired shortly before the sessions) along with a Tallahassee-based public relations firm called On 3.

According to Steve Lexow, treasurer with Save Siesta Key, the lobbyist groups were being paid $8,500 per month and the public relations firm $5,000 per month. It also had $25,000 set aside for marketing various lawmakers had the bill passed through the committees and hit the House and Senate for votes. That money, of course, was never spent.

At this moment, Lexow said the Save Siesta Key coffers show a slight deficit of $1,128 – a number that will likely go to zero seeing as the specialists on board will not be doing any work for a month or so until they are likely called upon examine the circumstances that killed the incorporation bill.

“Financially, we are right where we want to be,” said Lexow, noting that any fundraising at the moment would be awkward. “We need to know if there’s any point in trying this again. We need some positive news as an impetus.”

What would a third swing at the mission likely cost?

Lexow said his group would likely re-engage the same players at the same rates, including consultant Bill Underwood who would be tweaking and resubmitting the feasibility study. Lexow said a range of $10,000 to $25,000 would be earmarked for that.

In adding it all up, “I’d say we’re looking at about $100,000,” Lexow said.

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

Thank you to all of our costumers from Paola, Sierra, Kylie, Taylor, Anna, Stefania, Giada, Alexis, Alice, Sage, Emma, Anna and Nora. And, of course, Diane & Massimo say grazie to all of our costumers and staff!

5204 Ocean Blvd. in Siesta Key Village

Owner Diane Theron-Cuna invites you to watch the process as she creates a batch of her sinfully delicious gelato from scratch every 15 minutes.

“We are very proud and happy each day. to be here on Siesta Key,” says Theron-Cuna.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Theron-Cuna at the shop, she will happily entertain you with stories of her earlier days as a circus performer. She comes from three generations of circus entertainers and has traveled around the world performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The family earned their own “Star of Fame” at St. Armands CircleThe Theron Cycling Troupe.

Did you know that Siesta Key has a Gemstone?

Looking into the water at Siesta Key Beach is an incredible, captivating feeling - hues of blue and green dancing in light waves on top of crystal white sand with sunlight reflecting on it. Undeniably, the “Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM” has captured the colors of this experience.

It’s no secret that the sand on Siesta Key Beach is composed of 99% pure quartz. The crystalline white sand of Siesta Key is luxurious, soft, white and cool to the touch 365 days a year. This is why our beloved beach has been revered as one of the most beautiful in the world. Wanting to capture the experience and essence of Siesta Key beach was the goal of the proprietor of Silver City, Monica.

“Tourists always wish they can somehow take their vacation memories with them,” so with this in mind, Silver City designed the Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. They were able to capture the colors of Siesta Key’s blue/green water and put it into a quartz gemstone. This quartz gemstone is a fusion of the tropical colors that surround us. Just looking into the clear, beautiful gemstone will transport you back to our island paradise representing the Sea, Sky and beautiful sand of Siesta Key Beach.

Silver City has now become a “Must Stop” destination for tourists (Currently named #1 shopping destination on TRIP ADVISOR on Siesta Key). Shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store lies the much raved about Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM Every jewelry piece is designed and made by Silver City Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique collection and variety of designs in Sterling Silver and in 14K gold.

Sage

Kylie

Giada, Anna & Alexis

Diane

Sierra & Paola

Taylor & Stephania

Anna

Nora

Alice Emma

Siesta Promenade

Continued from page 9 called for the addition of about 35 parallel parking along Glencoe Avenue and part of Crestwood Avenue, in an area once dedicated to landscaping. DiMaria said the stalls would create a trafficcalming measure, noting that a survey on ideas for such a measure sent out to neighbors last year did not meet the response threshold and were thus null and void.

Residents of the neighboring Pine Shores subdivision have argued that the 200 mailings went out to homes either being rented or to snowbird residents who were out of the area.

Regarding the parallel parking, it has apparently opened a new can of worms in the 11th hour.

“Take away the parallel parking and we will all go quietly into the

night, and you won’t have any aggravations,” said Sura Kochman, a Pine Shores resident who has led the opposition of the project. “We’re not going to go away, and we have more people that are angry now than we ever did before on this matter. The neighborhood feels betrayed. I have heard it from so many people.”

Added Pine Shores resident

Galina Crites, “You’re creating a hazard. And who wants to look at a parking lot like that? It’s destroying the look of the neighborhood.”

DiMaria defended the parallel parking concept.

“On-street parking is used as a method to slow down traffic. We’ve seen it used to great success,” he said.

Todd Mathes, a consultant also

with Kimley-Horn, suggested the parallel-parking spots could also be useful to Pine Shores residents who want to visit the Siesta Promenade complex, providing easy access.

The project will feature 414 apartments and/or condominiums, a 130-room hotel, 133,000 square feet of retail space, and 7,000 square feet of office space.

New Energy Medicine Technologies are Now Offered at Spa Experience, Siesta Key

After completing the Life Transformation program at Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, and experiencing firsthand the cutting-edge energy medicine offerings there, Connie Lewis is excited to bring Qrs and H-Wave healing therapies to Spa Experience Siesta Key. Lewis has created a new service that encompasses all her areas of expertise including trigger point therapy, Reiki, Cupping, CBD massage Hot stone Massage, Sports Massage, and now QRS and H-Wave therapies. Consultation and coaching time are included with your session.

Qrs is energy medicine that utilizes PEMF (pulsed electric magnetic therapy via a mat laser and ear and eye accessories. These noninvasive therapies are painless and ultra-relaxing and healing in nature. Some of the many benefits of the Qrs Mat and laser are improved and speedier recovery from physical tiredness and over-exertion. Qrs balances the body’s acupuncture points in 8 minutes leaving you feeling stress-free, energetic, and ready for whatever the day may bring. Qrs aids in healing muscle soreness and post-workout stress while healing the muscles joints and bones.

H-Wave is an FDA-approved medical device used to flush lymphatic fluid, increase circulation and eliminate pain and restore function. If the space around the cell is congested, the cells cannot uptake the oxygen

and nutrition it needs resulting in pain sickness, disease, and premature aging. If the space around the cells is free of congestion and metabolic waste products, the cell can now uptake oxygen and nutrition resulting in less pain sickness, more energy better health, and slower aging physically and mentally. Incorporating these technologies into her Spa treatments will be an incredible leap forward in assisting clients live a more painfree relaxed life.

Spa Experience Siesta Key was opened in January of 2021 when Connie decided to expand her Spa in scope and services. Having owned and operated Massage Experience Siesta Key for 22 years she wanted to offer a wider range of services now including Acupuncture, Qrs, H-Wave energy medicine,

and Spa Parties. Lewis continues to offer her pampering results-driven facials using Pevonia Botanica Skincare and body line. Pevonia Botanica products are available for purchase by calling or stopping by the Spa.

Spa Experience Siesta Key boasts 5 treatment rooms that can accommodate up to 8 guests at a time. We are happy to help you make arrangements for your Bridal party, family reunion, or a spa day with friends. Please call for details and package options.

Spa Experience Siesta Key is conveniently located near the Siesta Key public beach at 5700 Midnight Pass Road, Suite 4b, Siesta Key, FL 34242 Our phone number is 941-349-4833 and our website is www.SpaExperienceSiestaKey.com

LICENSE #MM 40045 & MA 17596

LONGBOAT

3170

A captain who has answered

By Jane Bartnett

Ona late spring evening, Capt. Matthew Reid stood on the deck of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Stickney Point Road. With a distinctly southern drawl, he greeted his passengers and welcomed them aboard the 30-foot tour boat that would take them out to enjoy one of Siesta Key’s famous sunsets.

“This vessel can carry up to 19 passengers, but we’re only nine tonight so we all have plenty of room for dancing,” he said with a laugh.

Then he introduced his first mate and wife, Janna Reid.

As he got behind the wheel of the High Tide Tiki Boat Tours boat, owned by Para Sail Siesta, the captain eased the boat out of the slip and into the Intracoastal Waterway. The three-hour journey began.

With the sun dipping ever so slightly in the sky, a golden haze covered the Siesta Key waterfront homes. Reid ramped up the music. His passengers smiled, chatted and laughed.

“When we start a cruise,” he said, “we fit the music to the passengers.” Starting off with a distinctly upbeat country tune, he gave everyone a preview of where the boat would travel and what sights they would see. A family from Ottawa, Canada, were aboard with three teenage girls, along with a 20-something couple from Austin, Texas. All were new to Siesta Key.

“How ‘bout we have some dancing?” said the captain.

“Great music, love it,” said the dad as his wife got up to dance.

“You’ve got it,” Reid said encouragingly. “Hey, I’ve had a 90-year-old lady dancing on this boat. C’mon y’all!” The mood was set.

Even a pod of dolphins came near the boat to play. “We’re gonna have a great cruise tonight,” proclaimed the captain. Being out on the waters of Siesta Key comes naturally to the Sarasota native who spent his childhood on boats, discovering

the area’s islands and waterways. He traces his family roots back seven generations to 1858, noting it played an important role in the region’s history.

“My great-grandfather Sam Sweeting was Mr. Ringling’s personal fishing captain and he once escorted John Ringling and a visiting prince from Syria on a fishing trip,” said Reid, referring to the legendary Sarasota entrepreneur and circus founder. In 1925, Time Magazine named Ringling one of the

calling

wealthiest men in America.

“My grandfather knew this coast all the way to the Bahamas. He ran a fishing boat business out of Marina Jack for 45 years.” Reid said wistfully.

A generation before that, in the early 1900s, Reid’s great-great grandfather served as Bertha Palmer’s head rancher and managed the 37,000 acres belonging to the Chicago millionaire businesswoman and Continued on page 30

In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.

Capt. Matt Reid on the deck of the High Tide Tiki Boat Tour, upon which he’d some be gazing at another remarkable sunset. (photos by Jane Bartnett)

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

Siesta Key has new code enforcement officer Bern Pisaturo is the new Sarasota County code officer serving Siesta Key. His history includes 26 years in law enforcement in Fort Myers and Johnston, Rhode Island.

The former U.S. Marine has also worked in real estate and security.

Pisaturo’s cell number is (941) 236-2390, his office number is (941) 861-6403, and his email address is bpisaturo@scgov.net.

VB beach tourney is June 3, 4

The Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Associations annual

“Summer Smash” event is set for June 3 and 4 on Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Rd.

Approximately 300 athletes will participate in a variety of divisions, with action beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.

Visit ssova.bracketpal.com for more information.

Siesta Key beach runs for kids go June through July

The annual Kids’ Summer Beach Runs, presented by #SRQCountyParks, New Balance of Sarasota, and Sarasota Crew, are returning to Siesta Beach every Tuesday in June and July (excluding July 4).

The one-mile fun runs for kids and families begin Tuesday, June 6. They are free.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. near the playground at Siesta

Beach. Participants will receive a finisher ribbon and kids who complete four runs receive a free T-shirt, a free kid’s meal coupon for Gecko’s Grill & Pub and a 50% savings coupon for kids’ New Balance shoes. Additional sponsors include the Florida Department of HealthSarasota, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Manasota Track Club, Sharky’s on the Pier, Siesta Beach Eats, and Siesta Key Kiwanis.

ACCOMMODATIONS Beach Palms B-#74

Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa Map-A #38A

/ BANKS PNC ATM Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM Map-E #4

BARS & NIGHTCLUBS

Blase Café Map-A #38

Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar Map-B #42-43

Gilligan’s Map-B #33

My Village Pub Map-C #53/54

Siesta Key Oyster Bar Map-B #45

The Beach Club Map-D #22

The Cottage Map-C #58

The Hub-Baja Grill Map-D #59

COFFEE SHOPS

Bean Coffeehouse Map-D #62

Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company Map-B #31

DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs Map-D #65

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack Map-C #28

Blvd. Beachwear Map-B #30

Casa Smeralda Fashion’Style D #12-11

Comfort Shoes-Birki & More Map-D #64

Foxy Lady Fashions Map-A #40

Gidget’s Coastal Provisions Map-B #44

Island Boutique Map-B #50

Island Style Map-C #53

Lilly Pulitzer Map-D #66

Sea Shanty Map-C #24

Siesta T’s Map-B #30

The Sandal Factory Map-B #46

GAS STATION Circle K Store Map-E #6

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS

Beach Bazaar Map-C #28

Gilligan’s Gift Store Map-B #32

Island Trader Map-C #51

Sea Pleasures & Treasures Map-C #29

Siesta Key Outfitters Map-D #13

HEALTH & FITNESS

Indep. Lifestyle Solutions Map-D #10

Siesta Healing Map-D #9

Siesta Key Fitness Map-B #73

Studio Yooga ................................... Map-B #51

ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery Map-C #52

Curly Cream Ice Cream Map-D #9

Local Chill Ice Cream Map-D #60

Made in Rome Organic Gelato Map-C #53

Meany’s Mini Donuts Map-C #24

Stefano Versace Gelato Map-C #50

SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt Map-D #16

The Fudge Factory Map-A #36

INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES

Davidson Drugs Map-D #65

Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company Map-B #31

JEWELRY

Created Gems Map-C #51

Mount -N-

DAIQUIRIDECK.COM

Fireworks sponsorships now available for July 4 event

Sponsorship opportunities for the annual Siesta Key Community Fourth of July Fireworks are now available.

Sponsor packages include reserved parking as well as food, beverages and seating in the VIP viewing area on Siesta Beach. VIP packages are available on a limited first-come, first-serve basis.

To register online, visit: siestakeychamber.chambermaster. com/eventregistration/ register/1717.

To download a registration form, visit: chambermaster.blob.core. windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/ chambers/2312/File/2023Fireworks SponsorshipForm.pdf.

For more information, contact Ann Frescura at ann@ siestakeychamber.com or (941) 349-3800.

The deadline to reserve a sponsorship is June 15.

Crystal Classic vendor spots now open for booking

Vendor registration for the 2023 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival is now open. Each November the festival attracts more than 30,000 people to Siesta Key’s award-winning Siesta Beach. Here’s a chance to market your product or service at this year’s

event.

A limited number of vendor spots are available along the west perimeter of the festival, facing the Gulf of Mexico. It’s $700 per 10’x10′ of retail space. Vendor applications are subject to approval and on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register online, visit: form. jotform.com/230785238468164.

Need more info? Contact Marisa Merlino at events@ siestakeychamber.com.

Siesta Key Association meets

June 1 at St. Boniface Church

The next meeting of the Siesta Key Association civic group is 4:30 to 6 p.m. June 1 in the community room at St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd.

Guest speaker is David Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Visit siestakeyassociation.com.

MAILING - SHIPPING

US Post Office Map-D #65

MARKETS/FOOD STORES

Circle K Store Map-E #6

Morton’s Siesta Market Map-C #25

MASSAGE

Hands of Light Massage Map-B #35

The Spa at Calle Minorga Map-E #74

Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62

MEDICAL - DENTAL

Siesta Village Dentistry Map-D #63

Siesta Dental Map-B #49

Siesta Key Physical Therapy Map-D #20

MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce Map-D #67

Prime Audio Video Map-E #1

Roberti Enterprises Map-A #39

Village Arcade Map-C #53

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Attorney Fleming Map-E #1

Edward Jones Investments Map-D #68

Smith Architects Map-E 74

REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES

Amy Robinson RE Map-E #1 Beach Palms B-74

Coldwell Banker Realty Map-D #20

EXP Realty Map-E #4

Judith Guzzi & Assoc Map-E #74

Keller Williams Real Estate Map-D #11

Michael Saunders Realty Map-E #72

ReMax Alliance Group Map-C #29

RentSiestaKey.com Map-D #9

Robasota Rentals & Real Estate Map-A #39

Siesta Key Rental Prop Map-D #10

The Ringling Beach House Rentals Map-D #9

Tropical Sands Accommodations Map-D #67

RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS

Another Broken Egg Map-C #54 & 55

Blase Café Map-A #38

Bonjour French Cafe Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano Map-D #71

Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar Map-B #42-43

Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar Map-B #29

Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante Map-B #30

Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill Map-B #33

Island House Bar & Grill Map-D #69

Lobster Pot Map-C #23

Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company Map-B #31

Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub Map-E #2

PI Pizza & Craft Beer Map-A #3

Ripfire Pizza Map-B #47

Siesta Key Oyster Bar Map-B #45

IL PANCIFICO Map-D #15

Summer House Map-C #57

Sun Garden Café Map-D #19

The Cottage Map-C #58

The Hub - Baja Grill Map-C #59

The Seafood Joint Map-D #15

The Star

Arts on the Horizon By

Is June the shortest month of the year?

Yes, if you’re only interested in great classical music performed by top notch artists – then there are only 13 days in the month. And if you live for that kind of music, the only places to live in Sarasota are at Holley Hall and the Sarasota Opera House. What this all means is that the Sarasota Orchestra’s Sarasota Music Festival is back in town.

500 ≥ 60 + X = 100. In other words, 500 top music students from all over the world applied to be part of this festival. Sixty were selected and, along with 40 top-rank international musicians acting as faculty, become the 100 that pluck the strings, toot the flutes, honk the horns, and tilt the licorice sticks, to provide such great pleasure during these early days of summer.

A good way to start off any festival is to be involved in a romance, even if lasts for only a few moments. And a romance with, or more specifically by, Amy Beach gets one off to just such a start. On June 8, her composition, Romance, dreamily lets us live in a fairy tale(s), which is the name of the Schumann piece that follows. This early evening concert finishes with compositions by Valerie Coleman and Johannes Brahms. The violin part of Beach’s Romance is played by Melissa White, a quarter of the Harlem String Quartet (which will be performing in Sarasota next January)

Twenty-five musicians take part in performing four compositions (Vivaldi –Summer, Janáček – Mladi, Gabriela Lena Frank

– Four Folk Songs for Piano Trio, and Dvořák

- String Quintet in E-flat Major) at the Opera House on the 9th. Not just a few stars, more like a meteor shower to light up the night.

Even more musicians (30) perform on the afternoon of the 11th, but that is only because they will be presenting, for your listening pleasure, nine different pieces – from

Rodger Skidmore

Previn to Beethoven, and from Prokofiev to Mendelssohn (not in alphabetical order).

Interesting that the word “Pohádka” means “a walk” in Serbian, “fairytale” in Czech, and “take a nap” in Hungarian. It helps, for the concert on the 22nd, to know that Leoš Janáček was born in the part of the AustroHungarian empire that is now the Czech Republic.

And, of course, there really are more than 13 days in June. How else to fit in all the Master Classes, Coached Ensembles, and Artist and Orchestra Rehearsals that will take place at Holley Hall during the festival.

The empresario overseeing all of this is Music Director Jeffery Kahane, who will be performing and conducting a number of works during the festival. And, of course, Robert Levin will be providing insights into the very heart of music with his Levin Lecture on the 21st. Dates, times, performers, and venues for these, and many additional concerts, at Sarasotaorchestra.org/festival.

Coming out of seclusion

By definition, a hermit is someone who lives a secluded life. And, while hermits might live, singularly, in caves, up in trees, or in their parents’ basement, there is a subset that together, but separately, stay at The Hermitage Artist Retreat down on Manasota Key. These are artists of various types (writers, composers, playwrights, painters, sculptors, etc.) who have been awarded a stay at this secluded place, where they can create

without distraction, while being housed and catered to, as unobtrusively as possible.

What is the quid pro quo is this arrangement? The quid is their glorious seclusion and the quo is that they are required to share, with the outside world, what they have created. On June 23, a number of these “hermits” will gather (together) at Waterside Pavilion in Lakewood Ranch, to present Songs from the Sand: A Hermitage Cabaret. These new songs which have been created by, among others, Pulitzer Prize winner Michael R. Jackson, Five Tony Award nominee Jeanine Tesori, and four other award-winning composers, will be played and sung by local artists.

Given the talents of these well received writers and composers, one knows that what they have produced at the Hermitage Artist Retreat will be appearing on various stages across the country in coming years. The question is, will you have seen and heard version 1.0 of these new tunes?

Admission to hear these songs, and the stories about how they were created, is free, but reservations (with a very nominal fee) are required. Information and reservations at Hermitageartistretreat.org.

Where to go in June or July?

Where? How about to a concert, out to dinner, or a walk in the park? Been there, and doing that? Then perhaps another really nice place to go would be to go to Heaven. Unfortunately, the normal way of getting

there is to, like, die. And, like, you know, maybe not exactly what you want to do right now. Why bring up that particular location? Because, if you ask, in downtown Sarasota, about Heaven, they might reply That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven, and point you in the direction of the Urbanite Theatre – as that is the theatre in which this world premiere production of Franky D. Gonzalez’s new play is being presented from the 9th of June through the 9th of July.

And where might that entrance lead? A good question indeed. Some mystics say that Sarasota is itself a portal, what with all the spiritually white crystal sand. Others feel that the portal or entrance leads through that tunnel with the bright light at the other end. And beyond the light – family and friends –or restful peace alongside a bubbling brook. And, perhaps, for the characters in this play, heaven would just be a place where they are –accepted by others in the land they currently inhabit. But how can they get a fair shake when they are pushed down every time they turn around. By going a few rounds in the ring. By being boxers where their violence is confined to a small ring, while there is violence, in many forms, against them on a day-to-day basis. It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe Heaven in in the mind of the dreamer. More info at Urbanitetheatre.com.

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Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)

At 2 months of age, these gregarious heron chicks gain height and weight each day thanks to a buffet of protein-rich foods including fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and reptiles served up by their parents.

Between seven and nine weeks of age, young herons build the necessary strength and balance for simulated flight training. This training consists of testing their newly feathered wings from the comfort and safety of the nest and nearby tree branches as a stiff wind blows. They learn about flight dynamics while leaning into the wind with outstretched wings and

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Gardenias are generally found outdoors in southern regions and are admired for their glossy green foliage and fragrant blossoms. These beautiful plants are grown as ornamental shrubs in warm regions.

However, they are very particular about their growing conditions and require some consistent maintenance in order to keep beautiful. Once you understand what a gardenia needs to survive, growing them is very rewarding.

Well-drained, acidic soil is ideal for gardenias. Moderate humidity assures a healthy plant. Adding peat moss to the soil will benefit your plant by helping it retain

pivoting in different directions. Their first flight, or fledge, marks the major developmental milestone of transitioning from nestling to fledgling.

By the end of week nine, they can make short flights staying close to home. Great Blue chicks grow up to be the largest members of the heron family who stand an imposing 5 feet tall with a whopping 6-foot wingspan.

Once flying lessons are complete, next lessons include stalking, hunting, and fishing. It takes a lot of protein to keep this feathered carnivore flying high!

moisture without becoming too wet.

While the gardenia likes humidity, misting the leaves can cause problems. Water droplets can lead to fungus on leaves. You don’t want to place it under plants that drip onto its leaves. A lack of air flow also causes fungus.

Outdoor gardenias prefer full sun, with some shade in the hottest summer months.

Join us for our Music in the Gardens event at 4:30 p.m. on June 4 at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. Visit sarasotagardenclub.org. .

CJ Dana, Sarasota Garden Club

In tune with one another

Musician Deven Starr’s assistance from fellow performers after suffering serious injuries is indicative of the Siesta Key way, he says

By Hannah Wallce

Deven Starr had never been in a car accident. But on Dec. 30, as the Siesta Key musician drove home from a gig in Cape Coral, he collided head-on with a wrong-way driver.

The injuries were significant. In the hospital for days afterward, Starr felt lucky just to be alive. He needed physical therapy to walk again. “I couldn’t stand for quite a while. I ended up in a wheelchair for a while,” he said. “Things felt like borrowed time. I thought, ‘It’s pretty cool that I’m still here.’”

Only later did he begin to think about his livelihood. In an ideal month, he played between 25 and 30 shows. But in 2022 he’d already been sidelined once in the summer with sinus surgery. Then his income took a hit again in September when Hurricane Ian devastated southwest Florida. And now Starr faced yet another setback going into 2023. His career was in jeopardy.

“I couldn’t even play a guitar. My hand was out of commission,” he said. “About a week after the accident, I started to think, ‘I need to figure out what I’m going to do.’”

Fortunately, his peers in the Siesta Key music community were already rallying their support.

Starr grew up in a musical environment in the Englewood/Fort Myers area. His father was an amateur guitarist and bassist, and the two even played in a band together.

But the seeds for Starr’s career as a professional performer were planted in Sarasota’s beachy music scene. When he was 14, his dad took him to Cha Cha Coconuts on St. Armands Circle, where Sarasota musician Rodney Shenk was playing.

“I saw money in his tip jar, and I was like, ‘Wait, you can actually do this?’” Starr remembered. “That was my first spark of

interest in making it a career.”

After college, Starr stage managed some touring bands and even took a two-year stint as a cruise musician. Then, about nine years ago, he attended an-open-mic-night-turnedaudition at Siesta Key Oyster Bar.

“Nick LeValley was hosting. I just showed up, and we jammed out a couple songs,” Starr said. “Now I’ve been playing there every other Wednesday for six or seven years.”

Starr has been a regular performer up and down the Village, including Blasé Café, Gilligan’s, Daiquiri Deck, and the Hub. He said his success has been as much about

reliability as it has musical talent. “I’m not some classically trained, amazing musician. I’m self-taught, I go on vibes. You can be an OK musician, but if you’re consistent, you show up, you’re good to people, you can do it. Be better to people than you are at your job.”

It’s a mantra shared by his Siesta performing peers.

“I’ve seen a lot of cutthroat competition, like the seagulls in Finding Nemo — ‘Mine! Mine! Mine!’ It’s just not like that around here,” Starr said. “I think that’s why the vibes are so good here. I have not experienced anything like this anywhere else.”

Enchanting waterfront lifestyle

At least one of those peers agrees.

“It’s hard to put into words what makes the Siesta Key music scene so special,” said Bobby Schneck, another longtime southwest Florida musician. “There is a positive energy here that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country, to my knowledge. I lived in other parts of the country where the music scenes were kind of toxic. Lots of us [on Siesta] will run down the street on our gig breaks and cheer our buddies.”

But when his career seemed to be on the

Continued on page 34

Live the dream in this delightful island home with broad water views along a T-shaped canal amid the tropical splendor of Siesta Key. Exquisite waterfront living envelops this Spanish-influenced home that lures you to enjoy even more water pleasures with a 10,000-lb. boat lift on the east that will never obstruct views and access to the Grand Canal. The property offers 125 feet of canal frontage, creating a tranquil canvas for living. Magazine-worthy renovations mean the four-bedroom, four-bath residence lives like new construction. The home’s convenient location is near world-renowned Siesta Beach, within walking distance of Siesta Village’s restaurants and just over the bridge from the heart of Sarasota – known for its dynamic cultural arts scene and bustling downtown.

Call Team Dunn to schedule a tour of this delightful island home.

Left, Deven Starr performing at the SKOB in early May. Right, bed-ridden in the hospital just a few months earlier (submitted photo).

4833 FEATHERBED LANE | HARMONY | SIESTA KEY 4 BR | 4 BA | 2,978 SF | $2,978,000 | MLS# A4565904

With our map on the next page you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am –3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-7) has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. 941-554-8905.

Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-34): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the

VILLAGE

traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941924-5800.

Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar, offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. - Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).

Roberts Realty, Inc. (M-5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. For buyers, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. For sellers, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. Our philosophy is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.

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

Zuzu’s & Moondoggy’s (GG26, GG25) Ready for an evening out?

Time

Choose from Zuzu’s -- an exotic Polynesian top shelf cocktail lounge where you can dress to impress and enjoy cocktails with friends, or Moondoggy’s -- a fun surfing-theme atmosphere where you can chill and have fun. Located at 2234-2236 Gulf Gate Drive, Zuzu’s & Moondoggy’s has 13 big screen TV’S, MLB Package, ACC, BIG10, SEC, NFL Package, pool table, SUPER CHEXX BUBBLE HOCKEY and a punching bag! Zuzu’s is open 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM daily. Moondoggy’s is open 7AM – 2:30AM daily.

Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods and Grocery (GG-37) A fixture in Sarasota for 32 years, Scandinavian Gifts offers an assortment of linens, glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, food items, and Christmas collectibles. Located at 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Skinny Dip (G-26) Established in 2020. The Sarasota Skinny Dip location is a family-owned business, with husband-and-wife Alex and Sorelly, and their kiddos, Sophie and Noah. The business specializes in letting you make your frozen yogurt the way you want it! We specialize in Skinny8 Froyos, which are only 8 calories per once! Also available vegan and low-fat options so that all Dippers can, well, dip!

Apothecary Shoppe (S-6) Eric and Laurie’s knowledge of pharmaceuticals and natural/holistic remedies enables the safe integration of traditional and natural therapies. Their organic skincare line is compounded on site by Laurie who started her career as a make-up artist for the Today Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more. Eric is a pharmacist and also certified in naturopathy, wanting the best natural options for his clients. Open M-F 10-5 pm, Sat 10-3 pm.

The exterior of the building anchored by Crescent Beach Market, 1211 Old Stickney Point Rd., is currently receiving an overhaul from owners Chris Brown and Mike Granthon. Among the updates will be fresh paint, new signage in both the front and back, a repaved parking lot, an expanded walkway, new landscaping, and a higher overhang along the roof line. The work is projected to be completed by the end of July, which is when Meaney’s Mini Donuts & Coffee House plans to expand its popular Village business to a second location in the Old Stickney Point Road building, next door to the market in a small storefront. All businesses in the complex will remain open during the project. (submitted photos)

Florida Fish of Siesta

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast

Tarpon fishing will take off during May and June as migratory fish arrive along our beaches.

Also look for Spanish mackerel, tripletail, cobia and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal gulf. Snook will move into passes and the surf and reds and trout should feed heavily on shallow flats as baitfish become more plentiful. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more should be good options on deep grass flats.

Resident tarpon are usually the first to show up as they make their way out of rivers and creeks. As migratory tarpon start to arrive this month, we should have schools of tarpon moving both north and south along our beaches. Early arriving tarpon may be more aggressive due to less fishing pressure early in the season. Set up in their line of travel and wait for tarpon schools to move past and cast a DOA Baitbuster, a 4-inch CAL Shad, a live crab or pinfish to them. Once you’ve seen the first school of fish, you can concentrate your efforts in that “lane” since other schools should be following the same route. When they aren’t showing well on the surface, a live bait under a float in their travel lane may score. I’ve also done well blind casting a DOA Baitbuster or Swimming Mullet when there wasn’t much showing on the surface. Be quiet and using your electric trolling motor sparingly. Even though your 4-stroke outboard sounds quiet, it is no substitute for an electric trolling motor. Give other anglers at least several hundred yards of space and keep in mind that fish can be moving either north or south so setting up too close to another angler may affect their flow of fish.

Fly anglers should do well with a variety of baitfish or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. Staking out or anchoring in shallow water on their travel route should result in some shots at fish. The best angle is a “head on” shot, followed by a quartering shot. A perpendicular shot may work if it’s timed perfectly, although casting too far beyond their line of travel will usually spook them. I use a push pole with an occasional assist from a trolling motor if I need to adjust my position to make a cast.

Regulations have returned to normal for reds and snook in Sarasota. Spotted seatrout have changed in southwest Florida to a three-fish-perperson bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15 to 19 inches with one allowed per vessel larger than 19 inches.

In my opinion it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders.

Snook will be spawning this month so use tackle heavy enough to catch and release them in a timely manner and handle them gently. Larger snook will mostly be females and should always be supported horizontally rather than hung vertically by the jaw. You’ll find them in passes and in the surf. They will also stage around docks and bridges close to passes. Casting CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms or DOA shrimp around docks and bridges close to passes should be effective. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, work well at

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799

Left, Hal Lutz of Sarasota battles a tarpon along the coastal gulf. Below, Mark Nielsen of Seaford, Delaware shows off a tarpon of his own. Both utilized fly fishing techniques and released their catch. (submitted photos)

night. One of the most fun ways to target snook is to walk the beach and cast CAL jigs, DOA Shrimp or flies to them in the surf.

Higher tides this month will mean that reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats. Look for them along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high and in potholes or along sandbars when the tide is low. When fishing shallow water for reds, be as quiet as possible. I prefer to use a push pole or wade. Reds are one of the most challenging species to catch on a fly. Since they can be very spooky, I often wade for them when fly fishing to keep a lower profile.

You’ll also find big trout in many of the same shallow areas that you find reds. They will be plentiful on deep grass flats. I prefer to cast CAL jigs and flies on sink tip fly lines for trout. A DOA Deadly Combo also works very well. Drifting and casting ahead of the drift is usually the most productive method. Look for flats that have a good mix of grass and sand and good tidal flow.

You may find pompano, bluefish and Spanish mackerel on the same deep grass flats where trout are plentiful. They can be targeted in the same way as trout, but you may need to use wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader when toothy fish are around. You may also find Spanish and king mackerel, little tunny, cobia and tripletail in the coastal gulf. Keep your eyes open for surface activity such as diving birds, breaking fish or baitfish being forced out of the water which could indicate the presence of mackerel, blues or little tunny. Medium spinning tackle and 8- or 9-weight fly tackle should be heavy enough,

JUNE 2023 TIDE CHART

although your tarpon spinning and fly tackle is not too heavy for cobia. Look for cobia either swimming on the surface or around navigational markers or buoys. I have also found cobia swimming with schools of tarpon before. Tripletail may be found around crab trap floats or buoys, where they can be targeted with a DOA shrimp or CAL jig on spinning tackle. When fly fishing for tripletail, a floating line on an 8- or 9-weight fly rod with a shrimp or baitfish fly pattern, like my Grassett Flats Minnow, should get the job done. This is one of my favorite times of the year. If battling a big tarpon isn’t for you, you should have plenty to do on both shallow and deep grass flats or in the coastal gulf. I’ll be spending my time targeting tarpon in the coastal gulf unless conditions won’t allow it. There is something about casting a fly to a giant fish in shallow water!

Kid Catch of the Month!

Mighty-mite Nathaniel studies a ladysmith he reeled in during an outing with CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. If you’d like to submit a picture of a child’s fishing moment, send it to: info@27statemedia. com. (submitted photo)

Exploring Gulf Gate ... with Jane Bartnett

Here’sa summer travel tip, of sorts: Thanks to Gulf Gate’s eclectic business district, international destinations continue to be found in our own back yard. So, drop in at Divan, the new Turkish restaurant on Superior Avenue, and discover the wonders of Turkish cuisine. Spending a few hours in this intimate dining spot is almost like taking a trip to Istanbul.

Ugur Sariyar is the owner and the restaurant’s chef. “We make everything fresh and from scratch,” he told me on a recent visit. “The hummus, the baba ganoush, the shakshuka -- a traditional Mediterranean dish created from eggplant, tomato sauce, green peppers, onion and garlic -- and much more,” he said.

As we sat in a comfortable booth with a colorful mural of the city of Istanbul behind us, a steady flow of diners filed in for a late lunch. After opening in March, the restaurant has gained a strong following.

Colorful Turkish stained-glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling and create a warm glow. “My parents brought the lights from Turkey,” Sariyar said with pride. “Come and meet them,” he added as he brought me into the busy kitchen.

The pair smiled and said hello as they went to work preparing classic Turkish dishes. As we continued our conversation, I learned more about this exotic land and its cuisine.

“I want this to be a comfortable place where people enjoy visiting,” said the young restaurateur. Khalida Sariyar,

Ugur’s wife, told me the definition of the word “divan” is couch or sofa. Her husband named the restaurant Divan, she said, to imply a welcoming and inviting place. Having never experienced Turkish cuisine, I did a bit of research before my visit. Culinary experts agree that Turkish food is at the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes of this place where Europe, the Middle East and Asia meet tell a fascinating story of a people and a rich agricultural history. The food, Sariyar explained, reflects the bounty of a country where spices, fresh vegetables and natural oils are a part of everyday dishes.

“We make our own seasonings from zaatar, a curry-like mix of seasonings, rosemary, as well as oregano and thyme,” he said. “Everything here is fresh. Olive oil is used in everything. It’s the Mediterranean influence.”

When I told him that he was talking to someone who never cooks, he laughed and said “OK, everything is my own interpretation. It’s Mediterranean, but more Americanized.”

Sariyar’s own interpretation of classic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes reflects his training as a chef. After studying the culinary arts at Istanbul Arel University, he went on to hone his craft at Istanbul restaurants. “I also spent time in Bolu,” he said. “That is a place that is famous for its chefs.”

After settling in the New York City area, in 2017 Sariyar opened a popular and successful Turkish restaurant called Pasha Mezzo Grill in the northern New Jersey suburb of Parsippany.

“We made it through COVID with a lot of take-out,” he said.

In 2021, he made the decision to close the restaurant and on a visit to Sarasota he discovered our island. “I was drawn to Siesta Key,” he said.

When restaurant space became available in Gulf Gate, he decided that the Siesta Key region would be a good place to open a new restaurant. “I also met my wife here,” he said.

The couple married a few weeks after Divan’s opening and Khalida now works with her husband in the restaurant.

“Yes,” he said happily, “it’s been a lot of things happening at once, but it’s all good.”

Before my visit with the chef, I had lunch at Divan with friends. We enjoyed a selection of “mezze” (appetizer) dishes that included a sampling plate of tzatziki (grape leaves stuffed with rice), humus, baba

Continued on page 36

Left, the family at work in the kitchen. Above, Istanbul is depicted inside the restaurant. Below, the exterior on Gulf Gate’s Superior Avenue. (photos by Jane Bartnett)

$1,700,000

Sunset captain

philanthropist. “That land,” Reid said, “is now Myakka State Park.”

As an adult, Reid has taken his place back on the water, following in the footsteps of family members who came before him. Few can say that they know the secrets of the islands and the waterways that surround Siesta Key better than Reid. “About five years ago, I took my first U.S. Coast Guard license test to get my captain’s license. It’s a challenging test,” he recalled.

Continued from page 19

No stranger to challenges, Reid spent his early adult years in the U.S. Army. After returning to Sarasota, he went into the construction and masonry business but the water kept calling him back. For Reid, spending each day watching the sun set over Siesta Key is about as close to paradise as it can get. Creating truly memorable experiences for Siesta Key visitors has become his new life mission. “True southern hospitality has been lost in this area,” he said thoughtfully. “We’re trying to bring back that flair.”

A knowledgeable tour guide as well as a skilled captain, Reid offers details on the homes along the shoreline, tidbits about how dolphins teach their newborn babies to breathe, the life of manatees, and details on the many bird species that call this area home.

As he brought the vessel into an area filled with mangroves, he announced that we had arrived in the “Siesta Key Bayou,” an area behind Skiers’ Island, heading toward the North Bridge. “That’s not the official name, but that’s what I call it,” he said as the passengers laughed. The pontoon boat’s low draft, Reid explained, allows travel into shallow areas.

As the sky turned into spectacular shades of red and pink and yellow, Reid slowed the boat and everyone took pictures. As darkness fell and the sky darkened, the time had come to return to shore. “This was a good night, y’all,” said the captain.

To book a High Tide Tiki Boat sunset, morning or afternoon tour visit parasailsiesta.com/pontoonboat or call (941) 260-1566.

Above, first mate Janna Reid snaps a sunset portrait for a couple visiting from Texas. (photo by Jane Bartnett)

Mutual funds offer investors a chance to own shares in dozens of companies, as well as bonds, government securities and other investments. But you might be able to broaden your portfolio further by owning another type of fund — an exchange-traded fund (ETF).

An ETF, like a mutual fund, can own an array of investments, including stocks, bonds and other securities. Many ETFs are passively managed in that they track the performance of a specific index, such as the S&P 500. In this respect, they differ from most mutual funds, which tend to be actively managed — that is, the fund managers are free to buy and sell individual securities within the fund.

Another difference between ETFs and mutual funds is that ETFs are traded like stocks, so shares are bought and sold throughout the day based on the current market price, whereas

ETFs can spell opportunity

Sarasota Local Brings Experience & Trust to Siesta Key

mutual funds are traded just once a day, at a price calculated at the end of the trading day. Whether this ability to make intra-day trades is meaningful to you will likely depend on how active you are in managing your own investments.

For some people, the main attraction of ETFs is their tax advantages. Because many ETFs are index funds, they generally do much less buying and selling than actively managed funds — and fewer sales mean fewer taxable capital gains. These ETFs are somewhat similar to index mutual funds, which are also considered to be tax-efficient, as opposed to actively managed funds, which constantly buy and sell investments, passing on taxable capital gains to you throughout the life of the fund.

(Keep in mind, though, that mutual funds that trade frequently may still be appropriate for your financial strategy. While taxes

are one element to consider when evaluating mutual funds, or any investment, other factors, such as growth potential and ability to diversify your portfolio, are also important.)

ETFs typically also have lower operating costs than mutual funds, resulting in lower overall fees. Part of the reason for these lower costs is that actively managed mutual funds, by definition, usually have larger management teams devoted to researching, buying and selling securities. By contrast, passively managed ETFs may have leaner, less-costly management structures.

But while most ETFs may share the same basic operating model, many types are available. You can invest in equity ETFs, which may track stocks in a particular industry or an index of equities (S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and so on), or you can purchase fixed-income ETFs, which invest in bonds. ETFs are

also available for currencies and commodities.

Of course, as with all investments, ETF investing does involve risk. Your principal and investment return will fluctuate in value, so when you redeem your ETF, it may be worth more or less than the original investment. Also, liquidity may be an issue. Some ETFs may be more difficult to sell than other investments, which could be a problem if you need the money quickly. And because it’s so easy to move in and out of ETFs, you might be tempted to “overtrade” rather than following an appropriate long-term investment strategy.

A financial professional can evaluate your situation and help you determine whether ETFs are suitable for your needs. At a minimum, they represent another investment opportunity that may prove useful as you work toward your financial goals.

KEY COCKTAILS

Key Cocktails is sponsored by Siesta Key Rum, Florida’s finest craft rum producer that uses all natural ingredients in its distillery process. Siesta Key Rums are smooth enough to be enjoyed on their own, but they also make a great base for cocktails!

It’s the start of summer! June signals the beginning of back yard barbecues and it’s time to enjoy some cool treats to beat the heat. Your guests will enjoy an icy cold and positively delicious, easy-toprepare Siesta Key Watermelon

Mojito Popsicle, made with Siesta Key Silver Rum.

Make a batch and keep them in the freezer for when guests drop in.

Siesta Key Watermelon

Mojito Popsicles

Ingredients

5 oz Siesta Key Silver Rum

3 cups of watermelon, cubed

4 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed

4 oz simple syrup

12 mint leaves

Note: Servings sizes will vary according to popsicle sizes.

Preparation

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and insert sticks. Freeze overnight.

If you want to make this at home, or just enjoy some fabulous rum, you can purchase Siesta Key Rums at Siesta Village Liquors, Dive Wine & Spirits, Total Wine & More, Siesta Spirits, and Publix Liquors near the Sarasota Pavilion, and many other liquor stores in the area.

Paw Pals

HAPPY HOUR 4pm-6:30pm Happy Hour Food & Cocktails

MONDAY PRIX-FIXE MENU

3 Course Menu for $25 — Every Monday

OPA WEDNESDAY!

Saganaki Opa! Appetizer $7

WINE THURSDAY

1/2 Off Bottles of Wine

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Monday - Thursday 11:30 - 9 | Friday & Saturday 11:30 - 10 | Sunday 11:30-8

SARASOTA

Meet Zoe

Zoe is a 13-year-old bichon frise that was born in France and trained as a diabetic-alert dog. The runt of the litter, Zoe would be matched with owners Dennis and Libby in Sarasota where she found her forever home.

While in France filming for Public Television Services, Dennis learned that the monks of the Abbaye des Premontres, at Pont-aMousson in the Lorraine region, trained bichon frise dogs to detect

hypoglycemia.

At home, Zoe’s favorite toy is a small turtle that has lost all its stuffing. She also enjoys car rides, but knows they can sometimes take her to an undesirable place.

“Zoe’s ESP tells her if she’s on her way to the groomer,” her owners report.

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

Online

Deven Starr

Continued from page 25 line after his injuries, Starr still was surprised by the fervent level of support he received from his peers. He was still in the hospital on Jan. 3, just four days after the accident, when he got a text from Schneck: “Hey, we’re going to put something together for you.”

“It’s kind of a family,” said Starr. “Bobby is like a big brother.”

Schneck worked with other musicians, as well as the owners and management at Pop’s Sunset Grill in Nokomis, to arrange a benefit.

“That Monday morning I started making a bunch of phone calls,” said Schneck. “We got a total of 12 acts together to play on the two stages throughout the day. It was remarkable how quickly and easily the whole thing came together.”

“A Day for Deven” took place at Pop’s on Jan. 17. One after the

other, the musicians took the mic to perform and call attention to Starr’s situation. All together, they played for more than nine hours.

The funds they raised have made all the difference. Starr ultimately had to cancel more than two months of shows. And by May, he was still on an abbreviated schedule — about 18 shows a month. His arms still get tired playing or even holding the phone up.

“I could’ve really tanked. [The other musicians] kept me from being in a spot where I would have been really struggling,” said Starr. “People took time out of their day. That’s the most amazing thing. A musician donating their time is literally the most valuable thing we have. I wish I could do more for them.”

See Starr’s upcoming gig schedule at devenstarrmusic.com.

Bobby Schneck (left) and Deven Starr, together at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar. Both are Siesta Key performance regulars, and it was Schneck who organized a benefit for Starr after he was hurt in a car accident.

(photo by John Morton)

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

Provided by William Raveis Real Estate / www.raveis.com

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

4205 HIGEL AVE.

$5.5 MILLION

This waterfront masterpiece boasts 120 feet of waterfront. The sellers have just completed a $1.5 million dollar remodel on this custom-built Cocoanut Bayou home. This private dream villa is nestled behind a double gate and features 8,571 square feet of living space with a covered terrace that expands the entire width of the home. The terrace and its lounge area along with the summer kitchen provide the perfect atmosphere for dining and entertaining. French doors open onto the terrace from every room on the east side of the home allowing you to flow freely from one room to another. Three 17th-century marble Italian-inspired gas fireplaces, hand-chiseled travertine flooring, deep crown molding, ornamental friezes and carved cornices embellish this home with its first-floor 12-foot ceilings. Four perfectly balanced en-suites feature a modern master bath and dual walk-in closets, two of which open onto the second-floor terrace with expansive

LOWEST-PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

129 EDMONDSON AVE.

$765,000

Penny Lane Cottage is stunningly charming. This lovingly restored cottage commands a shady corner lot in one of the best neighborhoods on Siesta Key. The location of this quaint little home is idyllic and perfect for walking and biking under the canopy of tropical leafy trees. The front yard is pet friendly and has just enough space behind the picket fence and plenty

bay views.

The gourmet kitchen includes two Sub-Zero refrigerators, two Miele dishwashers, double Wolf ovens and warming drawers and a gas range with a custom faux-finished vented rangehood. The kitchen connects to the formal dining room with a sophisticated butler’s pantry. Custom cabinetry and accent lighting with granite counters and a 140-plus bottle Sub-Zero wine cooler are just a few of the luxuries. The large study and back hallway lead to the family room. The newly landscaped yard and irrigation make this home easy to maintain.

Take advantage of the full under-house garage, large enough for 12 cars or storage of your favorite toys. Garage access to the totally revamped custom elevator travels to all three floors of the home. A heated saltwater pool and spa surrounded by Malibu Marble with multiple entertainment areas, along with 120 feet of deep water with a concrete seawall and a composite wood dock.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

of outdoor space to relax under the large banyan tree. The sunroom with a vaulted ceiling and three walls of windows is a comfy retreat. Living room with a classic fireplace open to the dining area is the perfect gathering spot. Each bedroom has luxurious beds and great garden views. This unique home has been updated (AC/2022, new dishwasher 2022) and lives comfortably. Sold turnkey furnished.

Courtesy of BlueSRQ Real Estate

HIGHEST-PRICED CONDO

1310 OLD STICKNEY POINT RD., #EP3

$2.425 MILLION

Beautiful penthouse unit at Marina Del Sol with amazing sunrise and sunset views. Over 3,000 square feet with three porches. This unit is being sold turnkey, just bring your suitcase!! Three en-suite bedrooms, large master walk in closet, large laundry room, powder room, den, open living room and dining room, separate kitchen,

and breakfast room. This unit comes with a private two-car garage and a boat slip for fishing or boating. Marina Del Sol is pet friendly and even has a small dog park. A beach access is conveniently located at the end of Old Stickney Point, and we are adjacent to Christopher Wheeler Park. Everything you need is here for a fulltime residence or amazing vacation home. Come take a look this unit is very easy to show.

Courtesy of Coastal Living Real Estate

LOWEST-PRICED CONDO

8977 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #320

$429,000

Spectacular bay views from this turnkey condo located at the south end of Siesta Key, across the street from Turtle Beach. Enjoy magnificent sunrise views from your balcony. The open living and dining room space have sliders leading to the screened balcony overlooking the water. The kitchen

offers plenty of countertop space and a breakfast bar to prepare meals and host gatherings. This is a desirable boating and amenity-rich complex. There is an assigned carport parking spot and private locker. Sunrise Cove offers many amenities. The complex’s sea wall was 75% replaced in 2021, residential roofs replaced in 2016, and complex newly painted. Lots of parking for guests. Each floor has its own laundry/storage area.

Courtesy of Preferred Shore

Turkish cuisine Continued from page 29

ganoush, and a falafel wrap. On our next visit, we’ll try the traditional Turkish baklava, imported from Turkey. “There are 72 layers in each baklava and they are delicious,” Sariyar noted.

Other tempting pastries and sweets are also on the menu.

A selection of red and white Turkish wine along with beer, soft drinks, Turkish and American coffee and tea is available. Diners can choose to sit at tables, booths, or at the restaurant’s small bar. Boxed Turkish candy, coffees and other treats are sold at the front of

the restaurant.

After visiting Divan, I wanted to learn more about this exotic place that is steeped in history. I discovered a great way to take an armchair tour: order a copy of Lonely Planet Istanbul, by a wonderful writer and leading expert on the region named Tom Brosnahan. Find the book on Amazon.

Divan Turkish Cuisine is open for lunch and dinner at 6525 Superior Ave. For hours and reservations, visit divanturkishcuisine.com or call (941) 924- 3030.

A charcoalgrilled Spanish octopus appetizer is among the offerings at Divan Turkish Cuisine.

(photo by Jane Bartnett)

Keeping it Real By

Natalie Gutwein

Condo collapse forced Florida to get wise

Big changes are coming to the condo market in Florida.

On June 21, 2021 the Champlain Towers South building collapsed in Surfside, Florida -- a suburb just north of Miami. The 12-story, 136-unit condominium collapsed in less than 13 seconds, leaving 98 people dead and 11 injured.

Thirty-six hours before the building fell, a pool contractor found exposed rebar and water on the floor under the pool -- water containing chlorine from the pool. Seven minutes before the collapse, a couple staying in a hotel across the street shot a video of water pouring out from underneath the pool deck.

The building was constructed in 1981, but as early as 1996 the first concrete repairs were required. In a letter from an engineer to the building manager for Surfside, it was stated that “the scope of work will be concrete structural repair in the parking garage.”

The work was completed and certified by the town in 1997. Then, in 2018, engineers conducted the mandatory Miami-Dade 40year building recertification. It was noted in the report that “failed waterproofing is causing major structural damage to the concrete structural slab.” Those repairs were never made as it took the board of the Champlain Towers South Homeowners Association three years to levy the assessment that totaled more than $15 million and, by that time, the building had collapsed.

Federal authorities are conducting an extensive investigation, but their findings

aren’t set to be released until the fall of this year. Seaside hired world renowned structural engineer Allyn Kilsheimer to conduct its own investigation. Because of the many pending lawsuits and the federal government‘s investigation, he has had limited access to the evidence and has not published a conclusion.

Although official reports haven’t been issued, some of the theories on the cause of the collapse include insufficient reinforcing steel, corruption during the building process, sinking of the building over time, degradation of the structural integrity caused by construction of a new condominium structure on an adjacent lot, and every homeowner’s worst nightmare: water leaks.

What we do know for a fact is what was published in the Miami-Dade 40-year recertification showing degraded concrete with exposed rebar in areas all over the building. We know the homeowners association knew about the issues and took three years to make any repairs.

Three years is an eternity for water to leak into a concrete structure. It is quite possible this tragedy could have been avoided and 98 lives saved if prompt action would have been taken by the homeowners association. It all boils down to deferred maintenance. This is a term with which condo owners will soon be quite familiar.

So, what took so long? This same issue was happening at hundreds of other condo complexes all over Florida. Maintenance is desperately needed to ensure the structural integrity of a building, but it would get voted down by homeowners not willing to foot the bill -- thus the term “deferred maintenance” became prevalent.

The tragedy at the Champlain Towers forced the state to address the issue. Florida law now requires condominium associations with structures three stories or higher, having been occupied for 30 years or more or 25 years or more if within three miles of the coast, to conduct a “milestone inspection” and a “structural integrity reserve study.” The initial inspections must be completed by Dec. 31, 2024 and will be required every 10 years thereafter.

The first bill addressing the the problem was voted into legislation in 2022, but was revised in this past session to address some issues that have presented themselves since the bill’s first passing. The updates allow local officials to extend the December 2024 deadline if the condo association is under contract with an architect or engineer but is unable to complete the inspections before that time.

Many residents in condominium and cooperative buildings have complained to their legislative representatives that they are unable to afford the upcoming assessments and will probably have to sell. Unfortunately, dancing around that issue seems to be the root cause of the problem. Going forward, that won’t be a choice in Florida.

This has caused sweeping changes in the condo market in our state. Under the new law, when a condominium or cooperative trades, the seller is now required to provide copies of the milestone inspection and structural integrity reserve study if they have been completed. When we show condos now, the first thing we ask is if the inspections have been conducted and the results received. Condo buyers are far more likely to purchase in a building in which the inspections have been completed as they

Natalie’s Numbers

are able to make a more informed decision regarding future expenses. If the inspections have not been completed, the upcoming assessments are completely unknown. There could be none, or it could be thousands.

Many of the high rises here on Siesta Key have completed their studies and had little to no repairs required. The associations that have made the hard choices over the years and levied the assessments needed for ongoing maintenance are the ones that seem to have less work required as a result of these studies.

Thankfully, we have great choices in the condo market here. However, I always recommend doing your homework.

Stay sunny, Siesta!

(Natalie Gutwein, a Siesta Key resident, is a licensed Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty’s Judie Berger Team and is also a member of the board of directors of the Siesta Key Association civic group.)

Key Employee

Jody

In 2015, she moved to Sarasota from Atlanta and three years ago became a sales associate with Robin Hood Rentals in the Village. “The coolest thing about my job is providing mobility for people. Everyone loves to go places,” said Jody, whose favorite offering is the business’ scooter car. “They sure make people smile when they take off.” She also enjoys meeting visitors from all around the world, especially knowing she is playing a role in enhancing their Siesta Key stay.

“Once people get in one of our rentals, that’s when their vacation truly starts,” Jody said.

Photos by John Morton

Sun Garden Cafe recognizes the impact that quality workers can have on a business, and is proud to sponsor the Key Employee each month. The community appreciates it.

Congratulations, Jody!

Your dedication has resulted in a gift certificate for breakfast for four at Sun Garden Cafe, located at 210 Avenida Madera in the heart of the Village.