Paw Pals

Meet Charlie

Trout and redfish should be good shallowwater options this month. You may also find trout along with blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and flounder on deep grass flats. Look for sheepshead, flounder, reds and more around docks. Catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks in the Intracoastal Waterway may be a good option if it’s not too cold.

Regulations have returned to normal for reds and snook in Sarasota. Spotted Seatrout have changed in southwest Florida to a threefish-per-person bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15 to 19 inches with one allowed per vessel over 19 inches.

Since snook are temperature sensitive, I won’t target them following strong fronts when water temperatures dip below 60 degrees. However, I have had some great night trips catching and releasing snook on flies in the Intracoastal Waterway at night this time of year. Since larger baitfish aren’t that plentiful right now, snook will gorge themselves on glass minnows and shrimp.

You may also find snook in rivers, creeks or canals this month. Fishing may be good in these areas on a blustery day when it isn’t fit to fish anywhere else. I like wider profile flies and lures in these areas due to the baitfish that may be found there. Fly anglers should score with wide profile baitfish patterns, such as Lefty’s Deceiver, fished on a sink tip fly line. Spin anglers should do well with CAL jigs and 4-inch swim baits and jerk worms, DOA Baitbusters or suspending plugs. Fish the deep spots, usually on outside bends, for the best action.

You might find reds in potholes or along the edges of bars and shallow flats when the tide is low. As the tide rises, they will feed higher on shallow flats, particularly on sunny afternoons. I like 1/16-ounce CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms for reds in shallow water. If it is too shallow or grassy to fish an exposed hook, a Mustad or Owner weedless hook will allow you to fish plastic baits in these areas. Fly anglers should score with lightly weighted flies, like Clousers or my Grassett Flats Minnow, with weed guards on floating lines with 10- to 12-foot leaders. You may also find big trout in skinny water in the same places you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques that you use to target reds will work for big trout in those areas. I release all over slot trout since they are usually females and I feel that they are important to the health of our trout fishery.

You’ll find trout on deep grass flats. I like flats that have a good mix of grass and sand and good tidal flow. Flats that are close to passes are often good choices since water temperatures may be warmer there. Following fronts, silted up water will cover deep grass flats close to passes, often affecting fishing in those areas.

Other good grass flats may be on points or around bars. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails, DOA Deadly Combos or weighted flies on sink tip fly lines to locate trout. Once you’ve located them you can shorten your drift or anchor on them.

In addition to trout, you may also find blues, Spanish mackerel, flounder or pompano, depending on water temperature and conditions, on deep grass flats. The technique to find them is the same as for trout, although there may be other clues. Pompano may “skip” on the surface when you drift or run past them giving their presence away. When that happens, set up a drift upwind of where you saw a pompano and cast ahead of your drift. Blues and Spanish mackerel may force bait out of the water or feed on the surface. You may need to add heavy fluorocarbon or wire when blues and mackerel are mixed with trout on deep grass flats.

Fishing docks is another good option this time of year, especially when the tide is low. You might find reds, sheepshead or flounder under docks. I like docks that are deep (3 feet or more) and have a good tidal flow. Fish the end of long piers to find the deepest water. Also, look for big boats moored on docks or on boat lifts, which is also an indication of deeper water. Older docks with lots of barnacle and oyster growth usually hold more baitfish and predators. I like CAL jigs with shad tails, grubs or jerk worms or weighted flies fished on sink tip fly lines when fishing docks. Be sure to let your jig or fly get down close to the bottom.

March 2023 Tide Chart

Charlie is an 11-year-old, 8-pound morkie (a mix between a matlese and a Yorkshire terrier) who was rescued from Arkansas and has loved his Siesta Key life ever since. Says his owner, Keith, “the beach, the babes and the bourbon” are Charlie’s favorite pursuits. He was only joking, of course. Or was he? Here, the little guy takes a sun-splashed siesta at the Sniki Tiki bar at Captain Curt’s.

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

Kid Catch of the Month!

On his first-ever saltwater fishing trip, 7-year-old William caught a trifecta: a shovelhead shark, a flounder, and a sailcat (shown above) using live shrimp. If you’d like to submit a picture of a child’s fishing moment, send it to: info@27statemedia.com.

Our extraordinary dogs transform lives. Beyond the Dark invites you to experience this transformation and connect with our mission. You’ll engage your senses while immersing into the challenges of people with vision loss and veterans with disabilities. You’ll meet graduates of our programs and hear their triumphant stories. You’ll witness our highly trained guide dogs and service dogs at work, and see the powerful difference they make. And you’ll come away with a greater connection to the human-dog teams who journey beyond the dark

GuideDogs.org/Dark

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

5027 SANDY COVE AVE.

$3.5 MILLION

The stunning two-story columned entry leads to a wonderful see-through view and a dazzling display of thoughtfully planned and expertly executed details and amenities throughout. The fabulous “St. John Modern” floor plan with 2,851 square feet features a private master wing, a den, a bonus room with full pool bath, two additional bedrooms with shared bath, and a powder room. Overlooking a fabulous island kitchen with walk-in pantry and premium appliances is an amazing great room with 18’ tray ceiling, electric fireplace, built-in bookcases with recessed lighting

LOWEST-PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

5218 WINDING WAY

$462,000

This property is borders beautiful Glebe Park which offers 10 acres of hiking trails, picnicking facilities, playground, basketball, soccer, and baseball facilities. Just a short bike ride and you can explore all the beautiful shops and restaurants that Siesta Key Village has to offer.

There are also golf courses, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and St. Armands Circle close by.

This home needs a full remodel or possible removal. Let your mind dream and create your own paradise!!

Courtesy of Bright Realty

HIGHEST-PRICED CONDO

1035 SEASIDE DRIVE. #305

$3.8 MILLION and adjacent covered lanai.

The owner’s suite offers a huge walk-in closet and incredible bath with freestanding designer tub, double vanities, rain head shower and frameless glass enclosure. The bonus room opens completely to a covered lanai with full outdoor kitchen and wood ceiling detail. Paver decking and the 31x12 heated pool with spa and sun deck area.

Additional amenities include a 3-car garage with finished walls and epoxy floor, tile roof, irrigation system, professionally designed landscaping, impact glass and low-e windows, and 8-foot interior doors.

Courtesy of Greco Real Estate

LOWEST-PRICED CONDO

199 WHISPERING SANDS DRIVE, #202

$686,500

This 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo has been gorgeously remodeled and is being offered “turnkey furnished.” From the moment you walk through the front door you will enjoy the open concept from this highly desirable end unit which has an expansive enclosed lanai which runs the entire width of the unit, adding additional natural light.

The entire condo has been remodeled with deluxe vinyl plank flooring throughout, recessed lighting and refinished textured ceilings. The kitchen offers quartz countertops,

Located directly on the sands of world-renowned Siesta Key Beach, TEN35 SEASIDE brings a new level of luxury to Siesta Key, showcasing the natural beauty of our island while offering gracious residences with the very best of beachside living. This coveted direct gulf front, three bedroom, three and a half bath residence present the pinnacle of modern architecture and thoughtfully appointed luxury. Walls of glass, open flowing interiors and an expansive 35-foot terrace will stainless steel appliances, two-tone cabinetry, and a beautifully tiled backsplash. The living room and dining room area is very tastefully decorated with beautiful light fixtures, furnishings and built ins. The master bedroom suite features a walk-in closet and en suite bathroom with designer tiled walk-in shower/glass doors. All sliders on the lanai have newer impact windows and shades for privacy.

The A/C was replaced seven years ago and the electrical has been updated. Best of all, Whispering Sands has its own 800 feet of private beach along with a beach-front tiki hut with grills for entertaining, shuffleboard and kayak racks/storage area.

Courtesy of Coldwell Banker delight owners with world-class views of the sea, sand, and endless sky. Gracious appointments include porcelain woodlook tile floors, premium cabinetry, top of the line appliances and a spacious master suite with spa-like bath.

Additionally, owners will enjoy a fitness center, Gulf front fire pit, pool, spa, grills, cabanas, and spacious entertainment terrace overlooking the pool deck and beach. Offering the perfect combination of luxury and family-oriented functionality, this residence will allow residents to recharge and unwind in a truly incomparable setting.

Courtesy of Sarasota Real Estate Company time, what’s the rush? Everyone relax!”

You could buy one of these beauties for many thousands of dollars, but until Joe and Kelly launched the business last fall you couldn’t rent one for the vacation week or the weekend.

The idea was hatched in 2021 when Kelly’s mom, a longtime resident, did buy one.

“We thought it was the coolest thing,” Joe recalls. “It far exceeded any cart rental she’d had in the past.”

Sitting by the pool, Joe and Kelly, friends who had often discussed starting a business together, hit on the plan: why not make these attractive transportation options available to everyone, affordably and for short-term use? “We really believe in this,” Kelly says.

The timing was right: Kelly had just sold a business and Joe was solidly employed as a computer programmer, but was “still waiting to find a passion in my life.”

It took about 18 months for everything to fall into place, and the business debuted last fall.

Good Vibes Island Rides stresses friendly customer service. Joe rolls up in board shorts to deliver your rental, walks you through safe operation procedures, and helps set up the Bluetooth sound. Pricing is competitive with standard-level cart rentals. Vehicles come fully charged – enough to last up to 25 miles – and there’s a two-day minimum rental. Carts accommodate four or six people.

Joe and Kelly hope to see more parking spaces created in the Village just for carts – they take up about half the space of a car.

The business plays up the party-fun vibe in its marketing, but the core customers are vacationing families. I wondered if the carts’ flashy features would attract undue attention, wanted or unwanted. So for my test drive along the Key I decked out in my most garish Hawaiian shirt, loaded the soundbar with booming ’90s rock, and took off (safely and responsibly!) at full blast, occasionally waving cheerily to people.

No motorist glared at me. I passed dozens of pedestrians; virtually no one gave me a second look. Neither I nor the Good Vibes cart was perceived as a party animal. That’s probably a good thing if you’re considering one of these for your family vacation. Well, one young woman glanced up and smiled appreciatively as I zipped by.

That’s another motoring experience I haven’t had in years. Thank you again, Joe and Kelly. I’ll be back.

For rental inquiries contact Good Vibes Island Rides at 1-877-8GOODVIBES or goodvibesislandrides.com.

“As long as my building plans are approved, as designed and approved by the BOCC, we plan to preserve the tree and build around it,” Balot wrote in an email. “If the county’s building department decides now that my approved design concept plan will not be approved because of the tree, then I would ask to have the tree removed, vs. starting all over.”

Despite possibly being left a bit in the wake of this issue, Balot likes the intent of the revised mindset.

“I do believe two of the proposed changes to be appropriate, specifically allowing the county commissioners to consider an appeal and allowing the commission to consider appeals concurrently with rezoning or special exception petitions, where there is a binding development concept plan associated with the petition,” Balot wrote. “At times, I believe the county can be in-flexible and strict, while the developer’s ask can often be too egregious. I like the idea of having the ability to appeal to the commissioners, and having them decide, similar to an arbiter or judge, and not simply a county administrator who, in my opinion, will often defer to, and/ or support, his or her staff the majority of the time.

“I can only speak to my project, as I am not a developer and I have only crossed this bridge once. Had I had that opportunity, I would have requested to remove the grand tree -- not because I didn’t want to protect the grand tree, but because I wanted to be a better neighbor. Had I been able to remove the tree, or ask the county commissioners during my special exception (hearing), the hotel could have been shorter in height and had better access on and off of Midnight Pass Road.

“During both my neighborhood workshops, and in my discussions with the neighbors, protection of the grand tree was only asked about once; however, the height of the project was discussed during every conversation.

“To put it simply, the neighbors were significantly more concerned with the proposed height of the building vs. the protection of the grand tree.”

Balot, whose hotel was approved in 2022, is awaiting lawsuits of opposition regarding two previously county-approved hotels, one being on Calle Miramar (eight stories, 170 rooms) near the Village and the other on Old Stickney Point Road (seven stories, 120 rooms), near the south bridge. That project includes an across-thestreet five-story parking garage. One hearing regarding only the Calle Miramar hotel is awaiting a judge’s decision while the other, which challenges the late-2021 approval of both hotels, is slated for a jury trial in June.