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Save Siesta Key eyes commission race Incorporation group begins mission to interview and endorse county election candidates; adds influential former CEO By John Morton The Save Siesta Key incorporation team has made it clear it doesn’t want Sarasota County to rule the island. But now that it will remain under its control for at least the foreseeable future, its members are beginning to eye ways to influence the county leadership. And, with two county commission seats up for grabs in November – both of which happen to include territory involving Siesta Key (District 2 for north half and District 4 for south half) – the team is hoping to
INSIDE: Will state redistricting, city mayor vote impact incorporation? Page 41 get active in the election. “Our intent going forward is to interview candidates individually, endorse certain candidates that we believe will support the interests of Siesta Key, and have a greater voice in the outcome of the elections,”
said Tim Hensey, chairman of Save Siesta Key. That desire was a discussion item during an informal meeting in late March that included Save Siesta Key, the Siesta Key Coalition, the Siesta Key Condominium Council, and the long-established Siesta Key Association. The four non-profit entities have teamed up several times to support one another and fight against what they feel is a reckless Continued on page 41
Rodkin
South synergy
Sunrise service rises again
Purchase of Crescent Beach Grocery plaza by major investor in the Village could mean business boon for south-end district By John Morton
The return of the cherished sunsrise service, after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus, drew a large gathering of more than 1,000 worshipers Easter morning on Crescent Beach. Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, located just beyond the south bridge in Sarasota, was host. (photo by John Morton)
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Nurse to deliver Meet the new TLC to the Key sergeant in town • Village Map/business listings PAGES 24, 25 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 32 • Music Calendar PAGE 38 • Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 39 • Accommodations Map/ Listings PAGE 47
Many entrepreneurs in Siesta Key’s south business district have for years hoped to see their area become the type of energetic, robust scene that’s synonymous with the island’s iconic Village on the north end. A huge piece to that puzzle looks to be going into place as multi-property owner Chris Brown has purchased, for $7.3 million, the 14,248-square-foot, .75-acre plaza at 1211 Old Stickney Point Rd. that houses the Crescent Beach Grocery and two other businesses. “Properties on the Key don’t come up for sale very often,” Brown said of his decision to strike. “And it’s really hard to acquire anything commercial. So, when they do come up, you have to look really hard. After all, there’s only one Siesta.” Brown’s history of investment in Siesta is unparalleled. The line-up of his ownership in
A look inside the home watch biz
SHAPIRO
This business center on Old Stickney Point Road now belongs to multi-property owner Chris Brown, who purchased it for $7.3 million. (submitted photo)
the Village includes the Cottage, the Hub Baja Grill, My Village Bar (MVP), the Summer House, the Beach Club, Morton’s Market, and Village Hardware. The Crescent Beach Grocery building is owned by Nancy Connelly, who in 2003
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Happiness is...Pride in Others At Abel’s Ice Cream, one of the great joys for owner Jerry Williams is watching his employees grow and mature in business and in life. Every year, Jerry takes the opportunity to recognize his graduating high school seniors for the amazing young men and women they are. “Our ice cream is fantastic, but I’ll be the first person to say that our business wouldn’t be the welcoming, fun place it is for me or our customers without the quality people who work here,” Jerry said. Four of his hardworking crew are headed to higher education this fall. Aiden (not pictured) is a future biologist and loves Purple Daze (Black Raspberry ice cream with a black raspberry crinkle, and dark chocolate black raspberry
Continued on page 40
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Greetings from the Gulf
Word on the beach
This clown at heart has spoken By John Morton
H
ere I was thinking I’d be getting a pat on the head, not a spank on the hind. My first progress report from school had just arrived, and it made mention that I was the class clown. Yes! My letter of support was in hand, and down to Sarasota County I’d be headed for “college.” Time to start packing those big shoes and chasing those big dreams. After all, on one Spring Break after another my parents would remind me that the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College was just down the road from Siesta Key, in Venice, where it started in 1968. They also would take the family each April to the Sailor Circus (which still exists), where clowns would honk their horns more often than an anxious tourist heading west on Clark Road. By my senior year of high school, I had removed one of the tires from my bicycle. And I was watching Bozo on WGN far too late in life, explaining it to the family as research. I was ready. Well, it was not to be. Apparently, clown college wasn’t on my parents’ radar. So, I dragged myself through what society deemed as a normal life. But clowns apparently have their way of calling you, and when the college moved in 1993 to Baraboo, Wisconsin of all places, my fake flower sprayed all on its own. This was 45 minutes from my front door in Madison. This was fate! And I had just memorized the Joe Pesci scene in Goodfellas: “What, do
I amuse you? Am I like a clown to you?” People shook their head, annoyed. They’d heard it way too often. What they didn’t know, in this case, is that I was literally asking them for an answer. I wanted to know. My first son was born during the clown college’s stay at Circus World in Baraboo between 1993 and 1995. Life was to be taken seriously. Had that not been the case, I may very well be strapping on some baggy pants right now, as a job requirement, instead of the other reason I’m doing so. It had been only a few years earlier that I attended a Penn and Teller show in downtown Chicago, at the old Shubert Theatre. So amazing. For those of you who visit Vegas, they are holding residency there right now. I highly recommend it. Anyway, little did I know that Penn Jillette was a 1974 graduate of the clown college. And he’s on TV! And to think I’m only writing a monthly column for a newspaper that serves the greatest place on earth. Sigh. I could have been part of the Greatest Show on Earth! Before you shed a tear, you should know that another clown college alum is the turbulent Steve-O, from Jackass fame. A clown in a whole different manner. By the time he graduated in 1997, the college had moved back to Sarasota. When did it shut down? In 1997. Hardly a coincidence? As a side note, I always hated the Jackass stuff. My sons were into it, as were most male adolescents, and I feared the worst. Well, such fears became very real here on Siesta Key for another family. I was watching a national morning
Steve-O
Jillette
news program, without the volume, in the spring of 2003 when there was aerial footage shown of a swimming pool. I thought to myself, “I know that pool.” I cranked up the volume, and sure enough it was the back pool of the condo complex here where my family has a unit. Those who read this column know where that is, but I don’t want to mention it here because I just don’t feel good about it. It’s a tough memory for the residents. Anyway, a bunch of teens were emulating the Jackass movie stunts and recording their madness. One of the segments involved them running wild at Sarasota Square Mall. Then, the footage showed them jumping off a five-story roof and into a pool below. One kid, an 18-yearold, gave it another try while soaking wet. He slipped upon take-off, landed short, and shattered his legs as he slumped into the water. It was all on videotape. Being a clown, for me, was always all about acting a fool. Not being one. For those who still appreciate the legitimate clown culture, you’ll be happy to know that a training school still exists in Sarasota in the form of the annual Circus Summer Camp -- part of the Circus Arts Conservatory. It’s held in one- and two-week sessions from early June through early August for ages 5
to 15. And, before you snicker, it’s often considered the perfect way to fend off a child’s desire to become a ventriloquist! (Yes, Jeff Dunham, we hear you laughing all the way to the bank.) Truth be told, once clown college was no longer an option, I seriously considered pursuing a career with Mad magazine. Friends to whom I reveal this nod in agreement. They say it makes perfect sense, knowing me. Then they block me on Facebook. In defense, the brilliance of the “Spy vs. Spy” feature was right up my alley. That roller roaster of espionage gone oh-so-wrong was so relatable. Maybe because it describes my dating life? Speaking of which, can you imagine the number of women who, on a first date, have asked me why I’m interviewing them? National Lampoon was another publication in which I truly belonged. It was a story in an issue in 1982, entitled the “Utterly Monstrous, Mind-Roasting Summer of O.C. and Stiggs,” that rocked my world. Instead of telling people “I’ll see you in the funny papers” when departing their company, I was telling them that they’d see ME in the funny papers. But alas, I never pursued these avenues either. Now, I did write about the Green Bay Packers for a living, but I’ve also typed-up obits and birth announcements. I’m not complaining, but in hindsight I should have asked my folks to send me to pricey Manhattan to pursue the fourth estate as I saw fit. And with that, there’s no better way to instead be sent to clown college. Honk, honk, honk. (John Morton is managing editor of Siesta Sand.)
Should county commissioners ban cigarette smoking on Siesta Key? Mike Waukesha, Wisconsin “I don’t care. All I know is they would never be able to enforce it.” Stephanie Dallas “Yes. I’m sure that when one person litters a cigarette they don’t think it’s a big deal. But when you think about all the people who do it, it sure adds up.” Garrett Sidney, Nebraska “I’d say no. Anything that limits our right to our civil liberties is what I’m against.”
Cheryl La Quinta, Calif. “Absolutely. No one wants to see litter on a beach. I’ve seen people put out their cigarettes in the sand, like it’s an ashtray.”
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Beach request denied after appeal Vote further hinders Mike Holderness’ desire to build home near Access 3 By Phil Colpas In a rare unanimous ruling against development, the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners on March 29 upheld its earlier vote to deny a coastal setback variance for a Siesta Key property on Miramar Beach. Previously, on Jan. 13, 2021, the BOCC unanimously denied a request by Siesta Key property owner Michael Holderness to construct a two-story-over-parking, single-family home entirely seaward of North Beach Road, and just north of Beach Access 3. The board cited the dynamic shoreline and the impact the proposal would have on the dune system as its primary reasons for denial. Holderness appealed the verdict. According to an inter-office memorandum to the BOCC from Frederick Elbrecht, county attorney: In April 2021, the county attorney’s office received a request for relief from Siesta Beach Lots, LLC, which invoked the requirements of the Florida Land
Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act (FLUEDRA). Holderness is listed as the primary of Siesta Lots, LLC. “This request related to the Board’s Feb. 24, 2021, denial of a coastal setback variance petition for the property located at Lot 14, Block 7 of the Miramar Beach subdivision,” the letter read. “Siesta Beach Lots sought construction of a pile-supported, two-story-overparking, single-family residence. It also sought construction of a swimming pool, pool deck, driveway and landscaping retaining wall. Construction would have taken place a maximum of 189.61 feet seaward of the Sarasota County gulf beach setback line.” After the board denied the coastal setback variance, Siesta Beach Lots filed a FLUEDRA petition, alleging that the Board’s action was “unreasonable” and “unfairly burdens the use of the property.” Siesta Beach Lots argued that its application met all code
criteria, and that the Board’s action was “arbitrary” and “capricious” based on the Board’s prior approval of other coastal setback variances. Siesta Beach Lots also alleged that the board considered “erroneous” and “irrelevant” information during its “quasi-judicial” hearing. The special magistrate conducted an unsuccessful mediation on June 18, 2021, and hearings on the merits of the petition on June 18, Nov. 3 and Feb. 28. On March 1, after the conclusion of the hearing, Siesta Beach Lots disclosed to the special magistrate that a “building restrictive covenant” was placed on the property pursuant to a contract entered on Jan. 20, 2021. As part of his analysis, the special magistrate found that Siesta Beach Lots had contracted away its right to construct a single-family home prior to the board’s denial of the coastal setback variance. “Through a restrictive covenant, Continued on page 10
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Sea turtle nesting season on Siesta Key begins May 1
The nesting season for sea turtles starts May 1 and runs through Oct. 31. Sea turtles are a protected species, and it’s vital that visitors and residents of Siesta Key take measures to maintain their habitat and increase their chance for survival. Here are some tips: Do: • If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings, remain quiet and observe from a distance • Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October • Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water • Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water Do not: • Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles • Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach • Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water • Use fireworks on the beach Last year, Mote Marine reported that its team documented 521 yearly sea turtle nests on Siesta Key. In addition, another 603 “false crawls” were reported on Siesta Key beaches, which indicate that a female sea turtle crawled onto the beach but returned to the gulf waters without leaving a nest. Continued on page 24
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County touts upcoming roundabout project By Phil Colpas
Above, beach-goers wait at the intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road. The new roundabout that’s coming to that spot will include measures to increase pedestrian safety, Sarasota County officials say. Below, the current design as presented by the county. (photo by John Morton, submitted image of design rendering).
At its regular meeting April 7, the Siesta Key Association heard a presentation from the Sarasota County Department of Public Works regarding its plans for a roundabout to be constructed at Beach and Midnight Pass roads. The county is seeking resident input for detailed design of the roundabout. Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the penny infrastructure surtax, the project has been highly contested. According to a recent SKA survey of island residents, 37% wanted the roundabout, 33% wanted it kept as is, and 33% wanted an improved, signalized traffic light. The county selected the roundabout. Spencer Anderson, engineer with the county’s public works department, told the SKA that considerations for the design of the roundabout include pedestrian safety, accommodations for free-flowing southbound and left-turning traffic, traffic calming, evacuation routes, long-term maintenance, fire station access, landscaping and hardscaping. A transportation technical analysis determined that the roundabout is the better alternative to a signal light at that location, Anderson said. “This works much better if there is congestion. It keeps traffic moving much more efficiently,” he noted. It is also designed so that large delivery trucks will be able to maneuver through the roundabout without difficulty, he said. According to the county’s presentation, advantages to the roundabout are plentiful; it will: ● Remove free-flow right turn lane ● Remove the traffic signal light ● Reduce conflict points
● Reduce vehicle speed ● Calm traffic ● Make pedestrian crossings highly visible ● Help ensure pedestrians have the right of way ● Better accommodate bicycles ● Improve intersection operations ● Accommodate higher volumes of traffic ● Improve safety ● Improve aesthetics ● Remove signal maintenance cost ● Maintain its function during a power failure. Disadvantages of the roundabout include additional design and landscaping costs, and the duration of the construction phase of the project, which is expected to last for 260 days after construction is slated to begin in Summer 2023. According to the presentation, after the roundabout is constructed, the traffic light signal will be removed. The center island will be landscaped with grass, trees and brick pavers. The roundabout will reduce overall traffic delay, improve traffic movement, and remove three vehicle contact points and one pedestrian conflict point from the intersection as it is now. Efforts are simultaneously underway to improve mass transit onto Siesta Key, Anderson said, so that people can come to the island without driving onto it and exacerbating the traffic congestion problem. The county is also looking into installing signs on Tamiami Trail that will be updated in real time to alert those traveling to the beach when the main beach parking lot is full, so that they don’t waste their time driving all the way out to the beach, adding to potential traffic
gridlock. SKA board members raised concerns about cost, safety and whether this roundabout is really the best choice for Siesta Key. Roundabouts are a polarizing issue, Anderson said. “There are over 20 roundabouts in the county, not including the ones the city is doing. Every one we’ve built has had similar consternation prior to … But I don’t hear a lot of complaints after the fact. “Let’s get this done and see how it works,” he said. “There are always ways to tweak things.” The county’s estimated schedule for construction of the roundabout project is as follows: ● 60% design completion: May 2022 ● Final design: fall 2022 ● Bidding: winter 2022 ● Start of construction: summer 2023 ● Estimated construction duration: 260 days. Regarding other road-related improvements, Anderson noted that the Higel Avenue curve improvement project will include new signage, illuminated reflective pavement markers, flashing chevrons and drainage improvements. Also, he said the county has installed illuminated reflective pavement markers through the curve at Ocean Boulevard. “Hopefully, that is improving that curve to make it more noticeable,” Anderson said. The county also installed speed cushions at the Ocean Boulevard entrance to Siesta Village. “They are low profile,” Anderson said. “Just enough to make traffic slow down a little,” but not impede emergency vehicles.
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Employees find a home as chamber takes over south lot Parking spaces for 43 cars will be shared by 7 businesses By John Morton It took nearly two years to come to fruition, but on April 1 several entities in Siesta Key’s southern business district will have access to some much-needed parking spots for their employees. On March 29, the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners agreed to lease that county-owned land at 6647 S. Midnight Pass Rd. to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce for $19,350 per year initially, and four oneyear renewals will be made available with an increase of 3.5% each year. In return, the chamber is leasing the 43 parking spots to seven of its members interested in using them for employees only. The breakdown on the allocation of spots is as follows: Daiquiri Deck South, 9; Captain Curt’s, 9; Clayton’s Siesta Grille, 7; Big Water Fish Market, 7; Miguel’s Restaurant, 7; Sea Club V, 2; and Tropical Beach Resort, 2. The chamber will be responsible for upkeep of the lot. It is located next door, to the south, to Crescent Plaza, home to Miguel’s and Big Water Fish Market. That lot has only 66 spots (48 in front, 18 in back) for 10 businesses. Mason Tush, a chamber board member and owner of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, spearheaded the project. At the March 29 meeting, fellow chamber member Gabe Garcia, who own’s Miguel’s, emphasized to the commissioners the challenge many businesses face with employee parking, and thanked commission chairman Alan Maio
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for helping bring the endeavor to completion. The commission unanimously approved the lease with the chamber. “It’s a big deal,” Tush said. “Some of the staff with our businesses were getting parking tickets because they had to park in the wrong spots. “It was no fault of their own -- they’d circle around, looking for a spot, and they’d have no choice but to park wherever they could or not go to
From vacant and unpaved early last year, to it being paved last fall, and now finally occupied, the land at 6647 S. Midnight Pass Rd. is home to employees for several south-end businesses. (photos by John Morton)
work.” The 1.83-acre lot was once the site of a Sheriff’s Office training station. At one point, the commission considered using it as a turnaround spot for the county’s Siesta Key Breeze trolley. Then, discussion began about using it for parking and in June of last year the county spent $157,000 to pave area, which began last fall. However, whether the lot would be used for public parking or be earmarked for chamber employees became a debate. Several residents opposed the public-parking concept in fear that beach-goers would walk across the street and through their properties, seeing as no public access was in the immediate vicinity. Eventually, the chamber plan won out. Tush made it clear that more parking solutions are still needed in the south business district. “This is not a solve-all. It’s just a little relief, and that’s a start,” he said.
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Rescue personnel on April 12 attend to a car that flipped near the bridge on Treasure Boat Way on Siesta Key, eventually freeing the occupants. No serious injuries were reported in the twocar crash that first took place at the intersection of Higel Avenue and Treasure Boat Way. (submitted images)
Bizarre car incident at Higel and Treasure Boat Way does not result in serious injuries A two-car accident on northern Siesta Key in the early evening of April 12 sent passengers from both vehicles to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to Trooper Ken Watson with the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2014 Kia Soul that was at a stop sign on Treasure Boat Way pulled in front of a 2015 Land Rover that was headed south on Higel Avenue, striking its left side. After the collision, the driver of the Soul was flustered and drove backwards several hundred feet
along Treasure Boat Way where it hit a bridge railing and flipped on its side, coming dangerously close to tipping into the canal. “That’s when things got bizarre,” Watson said. Rescue personnel were forced to peel the roof off the car as darkness fell in order to free the two passengers. Watson said the driver of the Soul was ticketed for a right-of-way violation. --John Morton
Holderness Continued from page 4
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Siesta Beach Lots limited itself to the construction of a tiki hut on the property. Essentially, Siesta Beach Lots rendered its own application development order moot,” read the letter. “Therefore, the special magistrate concluded that the board’s development order is not unreasonable, nor does it unfairly burden the property.” On March 8, the county attorney’s office received the special magistrate’s recommendation that the board’s development order should remain undisturbed. The county attorney’s office followed suit, recommending that the board accept the special magistrate’s recommendation. The board would vote unanimously to accept the recommendation. Assistant county attorney David Pearce represented the board during this litigation. Holderness said he made an undermarket value offer in March for the county to buy the property with the stipulation that the county use it as a public beach and install a lifeguard, but the county is not interested. “The county denied the right to enjoy any reasonable use of the property but continues to use it as an unmanaged de facto public beach,” Holderness said. “We will continue efforts to hold our government accountable and pursue remedies in federal court.”
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Residents fight to keep sailboat tradition afloat About a dozen vessels at Beach Access 8 are scheduled to be removed by Sarasota County officials By John Morton About a dozen sailboats sitting on countyowned land at Beach Access 8 – some of which are even known to be available for public use -- are scheduled to be removed starting May 1 by Sarasota County officials. But local efforts to stop the procedure is picking up speed. An online petition with the web address of change.org/p/save-the-catamarans-onaccess-8 had 851 signatures as of April 15. Siesta snowbird Melissa Brush is one of the signees. “The use of the boats just seems like authentic, classic fun. Something you would expect in a tight-knit community. It’s refreshing,” said Brush, who has owned two properties on the Key for 13 years. “We enjoy watching sailors take their boats out.” Also, at the April 12 county commission meeting, four residents spoke during public comment in opposition of removal of the boats. They argued that the boats have been part of the beach’s landscape and nostalgia for more than 30 years and are a popular backdrop for family portraits. Local artists Lloyd Dobson and the late Shawn McLoughlin have painted the iconic boats, which also appear in promotional materials that showcase Siesta Key. Pictures of the boats are also tagged on social media, drawing people to the beach, said resident Nathan Bruneau, the creator of the petition. Kim Pitts, another resident who addressed the board, suggested that the county create a special beach-craft designation for the boats at Access 8, like what has been done with a similar situation in Key West and Naples, she said. “They truly contribute to the community,” Pitts said. “And they serve as a popular gathering spot.”
County takes action However, the county considers them not only a case of unauthorized use of county property but in some cases a hazard. Warning notices were first erected near the boats in December, notifying boat owners of the pending removal process. Here’s what county staff recently reported to commissioners: “The catamarans located on public property at Siesta Beach Access 8 have been identified as encroaching on county property and are being handled per county policy associated with encroachments and/or abandoned property. “Since December of 2021, county staff have documented and monitored vessel location, and have been working in tandem with adjacent landowners on removal efforts. “County staff have also worked diligently to communicate with as many vessel owners as they could identify and have completed additional outreach via Facebook video, etc. to contact vessel owners prior to county removal. The encroaching vessels are in varying conditions and pose challenges to natural beach areas, dune restoration, sea turtle nesting season, and public beach access. “The vessels have been inventoried with a notice placed adjacent to each, and the county plans to proceed with removal on May 1. It’s expected to take a few weeks to remove all vessels currently encroaching on Sarasota County public property.” Whether all the boats are on county land, or that some are on private land, is somewhat unclear. Siesta Key resident James Burns, who created a Facebook page called Siesta Key Sailing Club for local sailors to share
Catamarns dot the area at Beach Access 8 on Siesta Key to both the left of the entance trail (above left) and to the right of the trail (below left). Boats have been kept there for decades, are some residents hope the county won’t remove them as planned, starting May 1.(photos by John Morton).
Continued on page 46
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House calls on the Key will be her key to success Traveling nurse Tiffany Tompkins targets Siesta residents for new business that offers in-person medical care By Jane Bartnett The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce gave a warm welcome to the Key’s newest medical practitioner at a beachside ribbon cutting ceremony in March. This spring, nurse practitioner Tiffany Tompkins launched her new mobile medical practice that offers patients in-home primary health care visits as well as tele-medicine and on-going concierge health care services. A Siesta Key resident, Tompkins’ primary care visits take place in the comfort of the patient’s home or by teleconference. “Many years ago, family practice physicians used to make house-calls,” she said. “Now, my patients have access to traditional health services that are normally done in an office setting. My practice here on Siesta Key is establishing a new model of health care.” Furthermore, the island at this moment does not have any brick-and-mortar doctor offices. The last one existed in Davidson Plaza, leaving in 2020. A board-certified family nurse practitioner, Tompkins is a family medicine specialist with more than 15 years of medical experience. A native of Philadelphia, she made Siesta Key her home in 2018. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from Simmons University in Boston and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Her professional nursing experience includes work in med-surg, critical care, neuro/stroke, as well as pre/post-operative units in ambulatory and hospital settings. In her new NP on the Key medical practice, Tompkins is focused on providing care for non-emergency ailments that are treated at primary care clinics. The mother of three children, she is aware of the many issues that can arise when families vacation as well as the health issues that can arise during everyday life. Before she became a nurse and then a nurse practitioner, Tompkins was as a patient care tech. From that early experience she became a strong patient advocate. The importance of treating the whole person is a personal and professional commitment that shapes her approach to medicine. “I love Siesta Key and I want to share my holistic view of health and wellness with people visiting and living here in this beautiful community. I want to be a partner in my patients’ care,” Tompkins explained.
Left, Tiffany Tompkins celebrates her new business with family, friends and members of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at Siesta Beach during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (submitted photo). Right, she has some fun giving a palm tree a thorough examination. Her new business, NP on the Key, will be sending the board-certified nurse practitioner to island residents’ doorstep. (photo by Jane Bartnett)
In addition to visiting her patients in their homes for medical treatments, Tompkins also offers tele-health calls for minor injuries, eye and ear infections, fevers, minor sprains and strains, 3-in-1 Rapid COVID-19 and flu testing, upper respiratory infections, blood sugar, stomach ailments, as well as diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions. After meeting with her patient, Tompkins will determine if urgent care is needed. If warranted, she will refer her patient to a specialist or an urgent care center for followup. For patients that are not able to visit a lab for in-person testing, Tompkins can provide blood work at home. In addition to working to keep Siesta Key residents and visitors healthy, Tompkins also advises patients who are interested in on-going wellness treatments involving weight management, exercise and high blood pressure. “If someone needs of a prescription refill, if they’re traveling and forgot their medication at home, I will be able
to assist them once I have documentation from their medical provider,” she said. Tompkins’ NP on the Key concierge program includes up to two in-person house call visits per month, as well as four tele-health calls. “Patient advocacy is an area that I am very passionate about,” she noted. Recalling her own father’s illness as he lost his battle with a brain tumor, she said that she knows how difficult it is to care for someone who is ill and managing multiple doctors. “If someone doesn’t have a family member nearby to assist them, I can be there as a patient advocate to help bridge the gap between the patient and multiple doctors who are caring for them. I can be a partner in their care,” Tompkins said. “My patients receive personalized care. For people who need more time and more attention, we can provide for that as well.” Continued on page 22
TOP 10 CLAYTON’S REASONS TO VISIT
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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 Our friendly staff will provide a most entertaining dining experience Clayton is a fun, spirited, community guy and lifelong resident Best Eatery in the country, says his mom “Kitten”
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MAY 2022 Left, TEN35 Seaside, captured here in late March, is reaching the home stretch with its construction. (photo by John Morton) Right, renderings of the completed project and archive articles about the property’s predecessor, Crescent Towers. (submitted images)
All bought-out on the beach New south-end condos called TEN35 Seaside pack a punch, and a pricetag By Jane Bartnett TEN35 Seaside, Siesta Key’s new luxury gulf-front condominium complex, will be one of the newest additions to Siesta Key’s southern beach. Located at 1035 Seaside Drive, just off Midnight Pass Road and currently under construction but nearing completion, the structure will be the home of 32 new condominium units rising on the land occupied by the former 32-unit Crescent Towers cooperative. When Crescent Towers opened its doors in 1960, the building was heralded as “beach living at its spacious best,” by The Sarasota News. The newspaper wrote that “the last gulf-front lot on Crescent Beach at Siesta Key has been utilized by the construction of the Crescent Towers Cooperative apartments.” Prices began at $12,500. As the new TEN35 Seaside condominium residence rises 62 years later, it promises to be “an artfully designed modern structure.” Sarasota architect Brent Parker of the Parker Walter Group designed the residence in a contemporary coastal design. The Krauss family are the property’s developers and Sarasota designer Lori Fountain is the condominium’s interior designer. “There have only been a handful of new
developments on the beach in the past 20 years,” noted David Lehrman of The Sarasota Real Estate Company, who is Seaside’s co-developer and also in charge of marketing and sales. “The new building did not increase density and the coastal design will emphasize outdoor living. I believe that Seaside will have a positive impact on the Key.” Lehrman reported that when the TEN35 Seaside residences went on sale in 2021, all 32 sold out by March of that year. There are two-, three- and fourbedroom residences. The largest is 2,500 square feet. Prices at the time of sale one year ago ranged from $1.5 million to $4.5 million -- the latter for direct gulf-front units. The first two levels of the six-story building will hold parking with four residence floors above. Amenities will include a beachfront swimming pool, fitness center, and access to 200 feet of beach space, as well as a second-floor terrace facing the Gulf that will overlook the pool area. A website devoted to the new condominium can be found at 1035seaside.com. Lehrman anticipates full occupancy by midOctober.
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Island’s mini-reef total now exceeds 200
Another wave of mini-reef installations on Siesta Key has bolstered the island’s status as setting the standard in the area of water-quality and aquatic-habitat regeneration. On March 25, another 34 mini-reefs were installed in Grand Canal, the 9-mile waterway in the heart of the north part of the island. Now, a whopping 201 mini-reefs are in Grand Canal and another 42 are in place elsewhere on the Key, according to Jean Cannon, a member of the Siesta Key Association and leader of the project that began in late 2020. “I hope we can at least get another 60 or more with the help of grant money this year,” Cannon said. Recent grants awarded the project include $9,000 from Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program, earmarked for the building of new real estate and to increase diversification in the island’s waterways, and $1,469 from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program for dissolved oxygen installation and testing, Cannon reports. Orders for a late June/early July mini-reef installation can be placed on the project’s web page at siestakeyassociation.com/grand-canal-regeneration. Another method in helping Siesta Key waterways is the installation of vertical oyster gardens. They can be placed under docks to create a marine-life habitat. To learn about them, visit sarasotabay.org/get-involved/vertical-oyster-gardens/. You can pick one up, courtesy of Out-of-Door Academy, at the next Siesta Key Association meeting on at 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd.
Why should you see a financial advisor? Sarasota Local Brings Experience & Trust to Siesta Key The social distancing and stay-at-home orders necessitated by the coronavirus have led many of us to feel isolated. Still, we’ve fought back through social media, “virtual” gatherings and walks in the neighborhood, where we could greet friends and neighbors (from 6 feet away). But when you’re dealing with the financial effects of the virus and you’re investing alone, you could encounter some problems that may prove costly. Of course, with so much investment-related information available online, on television and in any number of periodicals, it’s not surprising that some people feel they can invest without any assistance. But the volatility of the financial markets over the past few months has also pointed to the dangers of going solo in the investment world. And you might find that a professional financial advisor can help you in several ways, including the following: Taking emotions out of investing During this period of market turbulence, many self-guided
financial advisor who has helped you develop a personalized investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, you will be far less likely to react to extreme market conditions by making ill-advised decisions.
Joe St. Onge outside his office on Siesta Key.
investors are letting their emotions drive their investment decisions. As a result, they sell investments when their price is down, “locking in” their losses. Furthermore, if they then stay out of the financial markets, they will miss out on the eventual recovery – and some of the biggest gains in market rallies usually occur right at the beginning. But if you work with a
Maintaining perspective When you’re putting away money for the future and you suddenly have a lot less of it, you might start to wonder if that future is somehow in jeopardy. But if you’ve been working with a financial advisor and following your investment strategy, you’ll know that you don’t have to immediately cash out those investments that have lost value, and you may not need to liquidate them for decades if they were designed for a long-term goal, such as retirement. By the time you do need to sell them, their value may well have appreciated significantly. And if you’ve got a well-constructed portfolio, you’ll also own shorter-term, less volatile investments to help meet your current cash-flow needs.
Understanding the history of investing The recent market instability is unique in the sense that its cause – a worldwide pandemic – is so highly unusual, and it hopefully will be a once-in-alifetime experience. Typically, prolonged market downturns are triggered by explainable financial or economic factors, such as the bursting of the “dot-com” bubble in 2000. However, market drops of 20 percent or more – generally referred to as bear markets – are not at all unusual and have happened every few years over the past several decades. Financial advisors are well aware of this history and share it with their clients. And for many people, the knowledge that “we’ve been here before” is reassuring and makes it easier for them to continue following their investment strategies. The road to your financial goals is a long one, with many twists and turns. So you might like to have some experienced company along the way.
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Joe St. Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 5011 Ocean Blvd., suite 205 Siesta Key, FL 34242 (941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
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★★★★★ via TripAdvisor (April 2022) BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN THE SARASOTA AREA BY FAR! FRESH, FLAVORFUL, PERFECTLY PREPARED FOOD. BE BACK NEXT YEAR!
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“This is a small family run restaurant and the owners are onsite there. The owners and staff are friendly and welcoming. The service is great, but the food is phenomenal ! We had the blackened grouper, crab cakes and fish stew. It was seasoned and prepared perfectly ! We found it because we were looking a place to eat after a movie, and if we hadn’t looked for reviews on TripAdvisor we would never have found it. It’s in a small plaza in the back corner and does not stand out. It was 45 minutes from where we were staying but it was so good we had to go back again. Each of the last 3 years we have stayed for 2 months on longboat key and this was the best seafood restaurant we’ve been to, hands down! It was nice to meet the owner who it turns out was from the town next to us in Connecticut. You must try it, but I would recommend reservations at dinner time as it’s a small place.”
7119 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Just off the Key, 1/4 mile south of Stickney Point Road 11 AM - 8 PM Monday-Saturday • Full menu available for takeout
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BOAT RENTALS
Meet the new leader of the law Sgt. Dan Smith takes command of Siesta enforcement By Hannah Wallace On March 1 — the first official day of spring break season — Sgt. Dan Smith of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office took over leadership of the Siesta Key substation and community policing station. “This is a great position to be in. We can really connect with the community out here on a deeper level and help make an impact,” he said. “And it’s a really nice place.”
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Law enforcement experience: 13 years total, all with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Military experience: Marine Corps What did you look forward to about the Siesta Key job? “Community engagement. Going to the Siesta Key Association meetings, connecting with the community on specific concerns, things that are specific to Siesta Key. With community policing, it’s a partnership between the community and the sheriff’s office. Sometimes there’s specific concerns that affect the community, and we can work together.”
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What’s it been like? “I started basically the first day of spring break operations, March 1. It’s been good so far. We’ve got a great crew out here helping me out, showing me the ropes. They’ve been out here and some of them have been doing it for quite a long time. “I don’t think there’s been any surprises. We did a lot of planning [for spring break], and we put it in motion to keep everybody safe.” Advice for seasonal residents? “If they’re going to leave, just make sure all their doors are locked, windows are locked, alarm system is armed and monitored. It’s easy to overlook one window here or a slider there. Same thing with their vehicles: Make sure everything is locked.”
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What do you want out-of-towners to know about visiting Siesta Key? “We do our best to make contact with beach visitors and educate them. A lot of people are from different areas where the beach laws are different. For instance, we don’t allow glass on the beach, and there are specific beach hours. A lot of people ask if they’re allowed to drink on the beach. [They are.]” Advice for beach-goers? “Just come out and have a good time. Be respectful to each other and law enforcement and the community. And if people see us, wave, and we’ll wave back. Or stop and chat. We’re always happy to stop and talk. We have a smaller unit out here, and we pride ourselves on our connection to the community.” What do you want people to know about law enforcement?
Sgt. Dan Smith
“That they can contact us about anything and everything. If there’s a very specific concern they have, people are apprehensive, they don’t want to call the sheriff’s office. I’ll hear about it from a third party—they tell someone who tells another that has a connection with me. “I want for people not to be afraid to connect with us. If they have a concern, report it to us.” What’s your favorite part about law enforcement? “Interaction with the community. Being able to meet with the community and listen to their concerns and help them solve them. “And make their day better.”
CAPTAIN CURT’S VILLAGE
Siesta Key’s “Old Florida” Shopping Village In The Heart of Crescent Beach
BEST SHOPPING, DINING AND FUN ON SIESTA KEY
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TURTLES
On Little Sarasota Bay
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Casual Waterfront Dining Fun, Fresh & Affordable
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SOUPS
New England Clam Chowder Cup … $4 Bowl … $6 Signature Crab Bisque Cup … $4 Bowl … $6
SALADS
Bang Bang Shrimp … $10 Coconut Shrimp … $10 Shrimp Cocktail* … $10 Calamari … $11 Stuffed Mushrooms … $10 Fish Bites … $10
Turtles Salad … $17 Turtles Deluxe Salad … $14 Caesar Salad … $16 With grilled shrimp or chicken Kale Salad … $17
SIDE SALADS
Grouper Sandwich … $17 Salmon BLT … $16 Mahi Mahi Sandwich … $16 Chicken Sandwich … $12 Cheeseburger … $12 Vegan Burger … $12
SANDWICHES
Fresh Garden Salad* … $4.50 Caesar Salad … $5 Turtles Wedge* … $9 Kale Salad … $9
ENTREES
FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS
Stuffed Shrimp … $20 Potato Crusted Haddock … $17 Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi … $18 Gulf of Mexico Grouper … $20 Salmon … $20 Sea Scallops … $22 Shrimp and Seafood Au Gratin … $14 Fisherman Platter … $28 Baby Back Ribs … $20 Orange Pecan Chicken … $14 Filet Mignon … $21 Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $30 Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail … $48 Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail … $40 Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $53
Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $22 Salmon Pasta … $18 Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $18 Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp … $20 Pasta Primavera … $14
Coconut Shrimp … $19 Large Gulf Shrimp … $17 Fish & Chips … $16 Fried Combo … $23
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Turtle Pie … $5 Key Lime Pie … $5 Sample Platter … $8 Ice Cream Bar … $4
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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.
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Home watch a thriving biz Siesta Key seeing an influx and need for a service that’s growing
W
hat happens in your home when you’re not there? That lone concern has spawned an entire industry in the last 40 years. While home invasion and squatters (intruders who live long-term in an unoccupied home) grab headlines and stoke fears in seasonal residents, everyday issues like leaks and mold remain among the greatest, most expensive risks for an unwatched property. In addition to mitigating these risks, home watch companies offer homeowners, especially snowbirds, peace of mind in the form of regular assurance that their property is being maintained and protected in their absence. And in today’s record-breaking real estate market, the home watch industry is booming further. Southwest Florida has long been an established destination for parttime residents. Now there are more Sarasota-Manatee homeowners than ever before, and many of them are looking for that sense of outof-town security in the off-season months. The home watch industry is fueled, in part, by stories of costly home catastrophes. Homeowners who’ve already enjoyed long-term peace of mind — and avoided disasters because of early detection — sing the industry’s praises. Mary Plote and her husband purchased their Beach Road condo in 2006. With four small kids and a family-run construction company at home in Illinois, they could only devote so much time and attention to their Siesta property. “We would come down there for four days and have to rush back,” Plote said, remembering times when a leaky toilet or broken garage door was discovered, documented and fixed in their absence. “I would definitely recommend having someone check on your house often. It’s a really important service. I didn’t even know about it until we bought the condo.” One part-time downtown Sarasota resident (who asked to have their name withheld because of security concerns) purchased a Golden Gate Point condo in 2020. Soon after, a clogged air conditioning condenser line started leaking onto their hardwood floors. “[The clogged line] wasn’t even in my unit. It was between floors, but it backed up into my condo,” he said. “We hadn’t moved in yet, so there wasn’t anybody living there at the time. But because we had somebody looking after the property, it was discovered early — days instead of weeks — and the amount of damage was minimized. Had this leak persisted for a week or two before somebody downstairs noticed their ceiling dripping, the cost would have been thousands and thousands of dollars.” Regular inspections Though it varies widely, at its essence a home watch service performs a visual inspection of the property on a regular, agreed-upon basis. “We do it either weekly or biweekly, or twice a month,” said Jim Farley of Sarasota’s Citizen Jack Home Watch Services. “I wouldn’t do it monthly, too much can happen [between visits]. First thing I do is check the mail. Then I do a quick visual inspection, just looking for anything out of the
By Hannah Wallace
MAY 2022
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Snowbirds, heading back home? Consider having Citizen Jack watch your home in your absence.
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Jim Farley | 941.350.3610
info@citizenjackhws.com | citizenjackhws.com
Marie Concepcion (left) and Abigail Covey of Win Win Services, standing guard at the home of a client. (submitted photo)
ordinary. A lot of these people turn off the water, so we turn on the main water supply, run all the faucets, flush the toilets, run the showers, too. All those valves are rubber and plastic, so you want to keep them lubricated.” Additional services depend on the company as well as the individual contract. Some home watch companies’ offerings, whether standard or add-on, may include starting and even driving vehicles, supervising vendors (pest control, lawn maintenance, etc.), coordinating repairs, and handling deliveries. Beyond watching the home In a competitive, high-end market, the possibilities are endless. Abigail Covey, an eight-year Ritz-Carlton employee, founded the Win Win Services in the fall of 2021 with a partner with a medical industry background. Together, they offer not just home watch visits, but extensive concierge services, including recommending healthcare providers and booking appointments. “I wanted to provide no limits to my clients,” Covey said. “People moving in from New York or California need services and don’t know who to contact. And when they leave their house, they want it to be care-free.” But bells and whistles aside, in every price bracket, southwest Florida home watch concerns almost always come down to moisture. Doubly so for Siesta Key homes and their enviable Gulf breezes. “Two things that can go wrong for a homeowner in the United States, especially Florida, are water and mold,” said Farley. Leaks, of course, can be devastating, especially when undetected. But moisture in all its forms wreaks havoc, especially over our long Florida summers when seasonal homeowners are away.
While much of the home watch job starts with “common sense,” Farley added, his single most important tool is a hygrometer to measure temperature and humidity inside the home. Experienced home watch professionals know that mold grows when humidity climbs above 55 percent. “The two things that will destroy a home is water damage and mold,” echoed Diane Pisani, who founded her Naples home watch company in 2006. “There is nothing more important than a home watch reporter who knows how to regulate and monitor the home’s humidity.” Southwest Florida industry insiders sometimes call October “mold month,” as that’s when homeowners return to discover what’s been growing in their property all summer. Pisani refers to colleagues in the industry as “reporters” to emphasize their responsibilities to record and communicate what they see. Homeowners nowadays employ home watch professionals not only to mitigate damages, but to document the circumstances to better support their insurance claims. “Insurance companies are getting killed on water damage, including mold claims.” said Jack Luber, founder of the National Home Watch Association, a professional organization based in South Carolina. “By far water damage is the No. 1 claim in the state of Florida. For insurance it’s really important that people are able to document what happened there.” Times have changed Bruce Whittinghill has witnessed the southwest Florida home watch evolution firsthand. “I started House Watch Sarasota in the early 1980s and had a Continued on page 37
Insured, Bonded and Licensed by The National Home Watch Association.
(941) 961-4309
www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com
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Sheriff’s Report
March 19, bicycle theft Victims had rented two beach cruiser bicycles and temporarily left them unattended in a driveway along Beach Road, only to return to find them stolen. No witnesses were located and there did not appear to be any video surveillance available.
March 31, bicycle theftFour teenage boys were riding bikes all over the Siesta Beach area. The boys left their bikes unattended at a beach area. When they returned, one was missing. The bike was a black Venice Man bicycle valued at $583. The serial number of the bike was logged into the system.
March 25, retail theft Manager of market on Siesta Key reported a theft from the market. Two males were observed on camera walking down an aisle in the store when one hid a White Claw Variety Pack in the other’s backpack. The subject attempted to conceal the theft by legitimately paying for other items using a credit card. The stolen goods totaled $22.99. Through the video surveillance and the use of the credit card, one of the suspects was identified.
April 5, bicycle theft A bicycle was stolen from a house along Beach Road. The bike was a navy blue 3G Venice Man bicycle with a basket. The bike is valued at $350. The serial number of the bike was logged with the Sherriff’s Office. April 5, bicycle theft Victims rented three bikes and left them temporarily unattended in the middle of Siesta Village. Three males, described to be in their late teens or early 20s,
April 6, bicycle theft A bike was reported stolen from a bike rack at Siesta Beach. The bike was reported as a blue Fuji Cape May bicycle with a basket. The bike is valued at $360. The serial number was logged with the Sherriff’s Office.
were observed riding away with the bikes. Two of the males had backpacks on their backs. Victims
contacted both the rental company as well as the Sheriff’s Office. Each bike is valued at $250.
April 10, theft of electric bicycle Victim rented a two-wheel electronic bicycle along with a twowheel metal pull cart. Victim rode the electric bike to Beach Access 12 and locked the bike and cart together, but not to any stationary structure. The cart contained the victim’s belongings which included a fishing rod, tackle box, pants, shirt, shoes and water bottle. When the victim returned from the beach, the bicycle and cart were gone. The theft is estimated to have occurred between 3 and 5 p.m. Video surveillance is being sought.
The Inside Scoop on Made In Rome Organic Gelato 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. “My husband’s family recipes used to create our gelato comes directly from Rome, Italy and only certified USDA organic ingredients are ever used.” There are 48 flavors to choose from and the staff at Made In Rome Organic Gelato generously provide samples of their made-from-scratch, in-house gelato. No hydrogenated fats or colorants, or preservatives are ever used so you can really taste the difference. Sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are also made fresh each day. Besides their gelato, the shop
also carries Italian coffee, cakes, and focaccia sandwiches. 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 Circle The Theron Cycling Troupe. Made In Rome Organic Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Blvd, in the Siesta Key Village. Their hours are Mon. - Thurs: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Fri. - Sun. Their holiday hours are 11:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m. (941) 960-5344. ADVERTORIAL
Sage (follow Sage on Instagram at Sage_scrimale) and Anna, Made In Rome staff, encourages everyone to try our delicious organic, all natural gelato. Made In Rome would also like to thank all of our customers for supporting us all these years and our new customers for appreciating our homemade organic gelato that is made daily in our shop!
Best Burgers & Tacos on the Island! 5110 Ocean Blvd. • Siesta Key Village 941-487-8116 • IslandHouseTapAndGrill.com
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New Village parking spots are ready for use
A view of some of the parking spots now available for use in the northern part of the Village. (photo by John Morton)
The 22 new angled parking spots that Sarasota County created in Siesta Key’s Village on the northern part of Ocean Boulevard are complete and ready for use. Four sit near the Old Salty Dog restaurant. The other 18 are across the street in front of the Whispering Sands condominium complex. They are free of charge for motorists. The county spent an estimated $250,000 on the project, which faced some opposition from two local non-profit civic groups: the Siesta Key Condominium Council and the Siesta Key Association. Both stressed that the angled parking spots will
create hazards for drivers trying to back out of the spaces as vehicles enter the Village. Not only do vehicles tend to speed entering the area from the north, Siesta Key Association members said, but large delivery trucks often are parked in the center turn lane so deliveries can be made to area businesses. The Siesta Key Association’s Catherine Luckner has also said the reduced section of the sidewalk was one of the few wide enough for pedestrians and bicyclists to share with ease, “and we need to keep those wide spaces,” she said last year. -- John Morton
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Traveling nurse Aside from the concierge service that carries a $250 a month fee, NP on the Key services are billed at a la carte pricing. A house call that includes a comprehensive examination and patient history, along with a diagnostics and
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Continued from page 12
treatment plan and prescriptions if needed as well as refills for existing patients, is $199. Tele-health online sessions with Tompkins are $79 per visit and include a comprehensive patient history, a visual exam, a
diagnostics and treatment plan, prescriptions, and refills for existing patients. A separate price for prescription refills is $49 for a short-term refill of existing prescriptions that are not controlled substances, as well
as medication prescribed after a comprehensive examination. Currently, NP on the Key does not accept medical insurance, however, all major credit cards and debit cards are accepted for payment. Tompkins is available
for consultation at (941) 444-5656, by email at tiffany@NPontheKey. com, and through her website: NPontheKey.com. There, you can find a list of the numerous health care services that Tompkins offers.
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LIVE MUSIC, page 38
VILLAGE MAP, pages 24, 25
ACCOMMODATIONS, page 47
CRESCENT BEACH MAP, page 32 GULF GATE SHOPS, page 39
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Looking down on our aquatic delights Tour the shallow-water treasures throughout the area with Siesta Key Snorkel By Jane Bartnett Siesta Key’s coastline offers a magical setting for snorkeling. It’s a chance to see the many fish, grasses, artificial reefs and aquatic wildlife that make their home close to our shores. When it’s time to put on that snorkel mask, don a pair of fins and jump in the water, Siesta Key Snorkel, at 946 Siesta Drive on Siesta Key, is one welcoming place to begin your adventure. The company offers daily private snorkeling charter trips. For first-time snorkelers and for veterans too, it’s a fun way to discover the sport. Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling does not require certification or training. Even people who are not at ease in deep water and waves find that it’s easy and fun. Beginners can start in clear shallow waters near the shoreline. Many first-time snorkelers become veteran snorkel fans after their first try. Matt Fueyo is the business owner, launching it in 2021 at the suggestion of his Reel Tight Fishing charter clients. “I grew up on Siesta Key fishing and was snorkeling almost every day. I’m fortunate to have some of the most beautiful places in the country in my back yard,” he said. In addition to the snorkeling and fishing charters, Fueyo also offers eco-tours, sand-bar trips and private sunset trips. Siesta Key Snorkel’s trips begin at 1 p.m. each day, with a four-hour minimum for six people or less. Adults and children age 4 and above are welcome. The fee for the trip is
Siesta Key Snorkel offers four-hour outings to some of the area’s prettiest underwater spots, including along the edges of mangroves. The tours take off from Nora Patterson Park near the north bridge. (submitted image).
$500. Additional hours on the water can be added on at an additional $100 per hour. When it’s time to head out, groups meet their crew at Nora Patterson Park, on the Siesta Key side of the north bridge. Depending on water and wind conditions, the captain determines the best location for the group’s trip that day. All Siesta Key Snorkel captains hold U.S. Coast Guard certification. Popular locations
within 30 minutes from base include: Siesta Key’s Point of Rocks and the area just north of Turtle Beach; the Big Pass sand bar between Lido and Siesta Key; artificial reefs located throughout the bay and the sunken barge on Otter Key, near the west end of Lido beach; and the Mote Marine docks, along the mangroves and the New Pass sandbar. First-time snorkelers will feel right at ease as their captain brings the group into shallow
water. On every snorkel trip there are always two captains on the boat or a captain and a staff member keeping a watchful eye on those in the water. During the voyage, the captain also gives a safety briefing to his passengers. When it’s time to drop anchor, the captain explains how to wear the mask, fins and snorkel. It’s “entry-level easy,” said Siesta Key Snorkel’s team member Jessica Euliano. She noted that all boats are equipped with life vests for adults and children. All snorkel gear is provided for the trip but snorkelers are urged to bring their own drinks and snacks. For lounging on the sandbar, Siesta Key Snorkel will also bring along beach chairs and bean bag chairs if requested at the time of booking. “Don’t forget the sunscreen and a long sleeve shirt may be a good idea too,” Euliano advises. When not snorkeling in the shallow waters, many people also enjoy shelling and just plain relaxing and sunbathing on the sand bars. Catching a glimpse of playful dolphins and birds nesting in mangroves is also a treat that people enjoy on their snorkel trips. “When our guests come to experience our paradise,” Fueyo said, “I want to make sure it’s an experience they will never forget.” Find Siesta Key Snorkel online at siestakeysnorkel.com, visit on Facebook at Siesta Key Snorkel or call (941) 444-9749.
Your Go-To Store on the Island Morton’s Siesta Market is your one-stop shop for easy island living. We offer a large selection of staple groceries, beer and wine, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood. In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.
Please stop in and say hello!
205 Canal Road, Siesta Key • 941-349-1474 • MortonsMarket.com
VISIT OUR SIESTA VILLAGE LIQUORS JUST NEXT DOOR!
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Island Chatter
Amateur sand sculpting is May 7 on Siesta Beach The 50th annual Siesta Key Amateur Sand Sculpting contest is
The amateur version of competitive sand sculpting returns to Siesta Beach on May 7. (file photo)
slated for Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Siesta Beach, near the yellow lifeguard station. About 20 contestants will compete for prizes. Participation is free and registration takes place onsite the morning of the event. There will be cash prizes for first, second, and third place in the categories of adult individual, adult team, children 10 and under, youth 11-17, and people’s choice.
The annual Dig the Beach volleyball tornament is slated for the weekend of May 21-22 on Siesta Beach, with action taking place between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. As many as 500 participants will be bumping, setting and spiking for beach supremecy. Food vendors and other offerings will be present at the event. Visit digthebeach.com for more information.
Shred your papers May 14 A free document shredding event is being hosted by the Michael Saunders real estate office at 5100 Ocean Blvd. in the Village from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14. Participants are allowed to bring up to two bank boxes full of documents. Agents will also be availble to offer home valuation reports.
Beach clean-up outings set
Three beach clean-up events are seeking volunteers, and two of them involve Siesta Key. The Beach Blast Trifecta is set for April 29, 30 and May 1, where participants will focus on beautification projects and/or the management of the natural resources within the park. The locations are: Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, 5-7 p.m. April 29; Siesta
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JEWELRY Created Gems.................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................ Map-D #9
DAIQUIRIDECK.COM
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
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
INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs...............................Map-D #65 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company........ Map-B #31
LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club....................Map-D #70 Gilligan’s........................................... Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar........................ Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors..................... Map-C #26 The Beach Club.................................. Map-D #22
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce has announced it is now accepting sponsorships for the annual Fourth of July fireworks
• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR 5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net
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48 47 46
RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg................ Map-C #54 & 55 Blasé 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#37 Ripfire Pizza........................................Map-B #47 Siesta Key Oyster Bar...................... Map-B #45 IL PANCIFICO.................................Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches..........................Map-B #30 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 Thai Sushi.................. Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.......................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon...............................Map-A #40 Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62 Siesta Key Nails & Spa.....................Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon.................... Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida.......................................... Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................ Map-B #34
Gizeh Pearl White
Granada Habana
Arizona Tobacco Brown
MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store........................................Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market................... Map-C #25
GAS STATION Circle K Store........................................Map-E #6
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
Fireworks sponsorships now available from chamber
MAILING - SHIPPING US Post Office.................................... 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 Ganja Mon Vibes................................. Map-D #9 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
HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............... Map-D #10 Siesta Healing...................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness............................ Map-B #73 Studio Yooga ................................... Map-B #51
T-shirt. To register, which is required, go to //bit.ly/38BnTIO or visit the “Sarasota County Play” Facebook page.
show on Siesta Beach. Sponsorships includes parking, seating, beverages and light snacks. Here is what is available: $5,000 level: 10 parking passes, 40 reserved seats, logo on individual banner, poster and social media promotion. $2,500 level: five parking passes, 20 reserved seats, logo on group banner and social media promotion. $1,500 level: three parking passes, 12 reserved seats, logo on group banner. $1,000 level: two parking passes, eight reserved seats, logo on group banner. $500 level: one parking pass, four reserved seats, name on one banner sign. For more information call the chamber office at (941) 349-3800 or email Ann Frescura at executivedirector@ siestakeychamber.com.
941-260-6400
DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs...............................Map-D #65
SIESTA KEY
Beach, 8-10 a.m. April 30; Turtle Beach Park, 9-11 a.m., May 1. Volunteers who participate in all three events will be entered into a raffle drawing for the chance to win a gift card and commemorative
Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village
COFFEE SHOPS Bean Coffeehouse............................Map-D #62 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company........ Map-B #31
5250 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
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• Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas • Cold Pressed Coffee • Organic Smoothies • Light Lunch (Sandwiches) • Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox • Homemade Pastries
ACCOMMODATIONS Beach Palms ........................................................ B-#74 Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa............. Map-A #38A ATM / 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
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Volleyball event is May 21, 22
The operator of an electric bicycle suffered serious injuries April 7 when an unidentified subject collided with the rear of a Siesta Key Breeze trolley. The subject was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The incident occured shortly before 10 p.m. in the 6300 block of Midnight Pass Road. It’s the second serious incident involving a bike and the trolley in a little more than a year. In February of 2020, a 72-year-old man was killed when he turned in front of a trolley near the intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Stickney Point Road.
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 SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food on the Key.
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Island Chatter
Continued from page 5
Bicyclist injured after colliding with trolley
Big G’s Oyster Happy Hour from 3-6 Every day 1/2 Priced House Oysters
www.siestasand.us
Mayari Licorice
Arizona Habana
Bogg Bags in Stock! Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 40 years!
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941-346-7425 Gift Certificates Available
MARKET & GRILL
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941-552-8826
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Mind Body Soul: Whole Wellness By Dolores Day “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” -- Albert Einstein
I
f you read my column monthly, you have probably caught on to the fact that I believe mindset is one of the most powerful influences in determining the quality of our life and our experiences. It is said we live over 95% of our life in our minds. Meaning, most of what we are thinking about is either in the past or we are projecting into the future, and most of that doesn’t even happen anyway! Naturally then, I think it’s pretty important to make the home in our minds as beautiful, peaceful and calm as possible. This takes daily consistent effort and often times subconscious rewiring and behavioral retraining to modify negative thoughts and habits that have become unhealthy patterns in our lives. I think it’s pretty well accepted that Einstein was a genius. But most people think of him as the intellectual physicist who is best known for developing the theory of relativity and the beginnings of quantum mechanics. But what most may not know about his extraordinary life was that he was devoted to his curiosity for the mysteries and the wonders of nature that he observed all around him. Though this genius may not have been considered by today’s standard as “religious,” he was quoted having said “I want to know how God created this world. I’m not interested in this or that phenomenon, I want to know God’s thoughts -- the rest are details.” I believe this focus on creation is what inspired him to look at the world differently. Not to be a pessimist but rather look to the unknown with an awe-inspired mind. He was choosing to see the mental/spiritual thread in all
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minds to be transfixed with awe is up to each of us independently. Whatever is expected tends to be realized. This has been proven scientifically over and over again. What we believe, we often receive. It’s a simple truth but a powerful one. We can either resist against it and deny its verity or we can acknowledge the power that lies in our expectations. Simply put, if we expect miracles, we will often see them everywhere we go. If we don’t, we won’t! Perhaps it’s time for each of us to ask ourselves if we are seeing miracles in our life daily. If the answer is no, it is clear we just need to alter our mindset, change the focus on our lens, and begin to expect to see them uncovered everywhere we look. They are there, already, waiting for us to discover them. Expect miracles and you will see them! Peace be with you, friends.
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things. Our mindset is choice. We have the freedom to choose every day how we will view the world. This is made evident when two people can see the same thing and report completely different experiences. Whether we look at the world with a lens of beauty, positivity and love, or choose to see separation, negativity and disharmony is completely each individual’s own choice. We get to decide. The interesting thing about the mind is that whatever we focus on expands. What we focus on will begin to dominate our thoughts. So, if we are focusing on the wonderment and curious bewilderment of all of life and creation, we will find that our world enlarges the beauty and awe that is found in the big and the little things and we will witness more of it. The ants so small beneath our feet that scurry in harmony to create and build become astonishing to us. The night sky revealing its billions of galaxies beyond marvels our minds. You see, everywhere we look in nature, be it in the human body form, a forest, or even the soil beneath our feet, reveals the miracle of creation. Whether we choose to focus our lens on it and allow our
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Circling high above the Siesta Key shoreline, the osprey is the only North American hawk who dines almost exclusively on live fish, both fresh- and saltwater. It takes lots of protein (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids) to fuel the exploits of this large raptor weighing 2 to 4 pounds with a wingspan of 5 to 6 feet! Osprey nests are usually built on treetops, cliffs, or even on manmade structures like antennas and bridges. The nest’s height and open surroundings offer an easy approach and departure while providing safety from ground predators like raccoons. Many generations may reuse these
sturdy nests which can grow to a sprawling 6 feet across and 12 inches deep. The typical osprey clutch is two to four eggs. There can be as many as five days between the hatching of the first and last eggs. Competition for food means older siblings have a decided advantage over younger ones. Osprey young, called eyas, take their first flight at 8 to 10 weeks old, become independent from their parents two to three months later, and begin their own families when they mature at 3 to 5 years old. Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards are available at BLVD Beachwear, 5239 Ocean Blvd., and Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique, 4420 S. Tamiami Trail
Blooming this month: Coleus plants
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Coleus are members of the mint family and have square stems and opposite leaves of that group of plants. Some coleus grows in an upright form, some grows in a mound form, and some creep or trail. The leaves can be narrow or wide, round, or ovate, and they come in a wide range of interesting shapes and fancy leaf edges. The colorful foliage that this plant is famous for can be red, pink, purple, green, yellow, orange, brown, and all shades in between.
When in bloom, don’t pinch the flower off as it attracts pollinator bees. Most everyone pinches the bloom so the plants will bush more outward. Many varieties are in the Butterfly, Bromeliad, Falling Waters, and Quiet Gardens at Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. For more information about our club, go to SarasotaGardenClub.org. Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens chair of the Sarasota Garden Club
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Arts on the Horizon By Rodger Skidmore A theatre production of Secret Garden?
No. An actual Secret Garden? Yes! Yes, in Sarasota there is a secret garden in plain sight and also a secret gallery that is hidden away. Both are available to you this May. Spring is here and on May 6 the time is right to attend an outdoor party at the intersection of Pineapple and Lemon avenues in downtown Sarasota. Early in the month there are still breezes on most evenings (is “still breezes” an oxymoron?) and there is plenty to see and do. At least through September, Sarasota is throwing a Fresh Friday series of themed parties in a different part of Sarasota on the first Friday of each month. Kick-off time is 6 pm. In May, it’s a garden party called Bloom in the Park, at the Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park. Historical Note: Paul Thorpe had dedicated his life to making downtown Sarasota a more inviting place; he helped start the Lemon Avenue Farmer’s Market, Sarasota’s Grand Prix Boat Races, the New Year’s Midnight Pineapple Drop, the Fourth of July fireworks in Bayfront Park, and brought the Selby Public Library to its current location. The park’s previous name had been Pineapple Park, and before that, Goodheart Place,
named after the artist Nancy Goodheart Matthews who created the mermaid that is at the heart of the park’s famous fountain. Lighting up this soon-not-to-be-sosecret garden will be Cassie Jean and the Fireflies -- a newly bloomin’ county vocalist backed by guitars, dobro and drums. There will also be beverages, light bites, and a Polaroid photographer making selfie quality photos just for you. More info at Freshfridayssarasota.com. It seems everyone knows that Palm Avenue is “art gallery heaven” but there is one gallery that only concert goers know about. That is the Harmony Gallery in the long lobby outside the Holley and David Cohen Halls in the atrium of the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. Through May 27 one can see the realistically unreal (or unreally realistic) art of Tony Reinemann. The Harmony Gallery has five or six shows each year -- watercolors, oils, acrylics, and photos. This show hits the spot with everything from slightly off-key renderings of perturbed cats to full scale oils of gothic cityscapes with different things happening in each window. Intermissions at the concerts held there usually run 10 to 20 minutes, so if you spend five minutes looking into the windows of each painting you’ll have to go to a lot of concerts -- or come during the day and take your time. Art info at TonyReinemann.com, art and concert info at Sarasotaorchestra.org.
The distant and recent (very recent) past It’s funny how fame works. The poet, novelist, film and book critic, friend of the famous, screen writer, and alcoholic James Agee had great critical and limited public success during his life time. Examples of his talents are evident in his having been editor-in-chief of the Harvard
Advocate, one of the screenwriters for The African Queen, the author of the text for Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, and of the novel A Death in the Family. The latter has morphed into many things: while Agee died in 1955, his novel became a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1958, inspired Samuel Barber’s work for soprano and orchestra, Knoxville: Summer of 1915, was the basis for the play All The Way Home (another Pulitzer Prize), and has now been turned into the new musical Knoxville that recently opened (world premiere) at the Asolo Rep. This show focuses on Agee’s youth when he lived in Knoxville, Tennessee at the time of his father’s death in an automobile accident. But this is not simply taking the Knoxville section of the book and adding lyrics and music. It also intertwines Agee’s later life with his youth, as he struggles to write his famous novel. The musical runs through May 11. Info at Asolorep.org.
Music: here and there
The snowbirds must still be here because music concerts just keep popping up. Church of the Palms is a very accessible venue and there will be six accomplished musicians providing the music on May 5 for all of your listening ears. The featured pianist is Ying Li, a graduate of Curtis and Juilliard. Miss Li stands tall, and will be standing tall with others at her side -- Daniel Jordan, concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra will be accompanying her, along with Rachel Halvorson, Natalie Helm, and John Miller, principles of the SO (viola, cello, and double bass, respectively), Matthew Albert, Chair of Chamber Music at the University of Michigan will also be on violin. The program will be a flight of fancy with Dvořák’s Piano Quintet and Mozart’s Piano Concerto -- both in A major -- followed by Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. If you think the Firebird is hot, just wait
until May 22 when the group 2 Hot 2 Tangocomes to the Historic Asolo Theater and starts pressing the buttons and hitting the keys. Ben Bogart on bandoneón and Winnie Cheung on piano will be providing the music, not just for you, but also for the world-renowned tango dancers Fernanda Ghi (World Argentine Tango Champion) and Silvio Grand. Selections will be some made famous by Argentinian orchestra leaders from the 1920s through the 1950s; (Carlos di Sarli, a one-eyed piano-playing son of Italian immigrants, was nicknamed El Señor del Tango; Osvaldo Pugliese’s style moved to the left from the salon tango to, in the 1950s, more of a theatrical dance performance; Aníbal Troilo, a bandoneón player and composer famous for his instrumentals had a band in which Astor Piazzolla played and arranged. In Argentina, July 11, Troilo’s birthday, is National Bandoneón Day; and Juan d’Arienzo, also a son of Italian immigrants, was known as Rey del Compás (King of the Beat), because of his “very swinging, much nervous, vibrant beat”. And, of course, selections by Astor Piazzolla, such as Milonga del Ángel and Verano Porteno. Info for both concerts at artistseriesconcerts.org.
A concert 450 years in the making! Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is back May 6 and 7 for Choral Splendor in 40 Parts, featuring over 40 voices of the Chamber Singers and special guest Les Canards Chantants, a solo-voice ensemble specializing in music of the Renaissance. Founded in England in 2011, Les Canards Chantants are now based in Philadelphia, where they are Ensemble in Residence at Glencairn Museum, and present concerts of renaissance polyphony at home and abroad. Innovative programs like 1.500 Surround Sound (an immersive polychoral experience), Dowland’s Table (Lute song choose-your-ownadventure) and Sex, Drugs and Madrigals (staged Italian madrigals) have cemented the ensemble’s reputation for daring and entertaining presentation in concert, and for engaging with the most unusual repertoire from the Renaissance. “We are excited to singing alongside of some of our country’s leading performers of this style,” said Maestro
Joseph Caulkins. “In addition to them being a special part of these incredible works for 40 or more voices, we will also get to hear them perform works as an ensemble by Gabrieli, Palestrina, and Victoria – all masters of the 16th century. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Experience a rare live performance of Thomas Tallis’ Spem in alium considered one of the greatest compositions of all time and Alessandro Striggio’s Mass in 40 parts, a masterpiece lost for more than 400 years! These masterpieces are scored for 40 independent vocal parts, and as many as 60 parts for Striggio’s final Agnus Dei – a feat unequaled to this day. Experience an unforgettable program of polychoral extravagance and unparalleled splendor. Performance Dates: Friday, May 6, 7:30 pm St. Boniface Episcopal Church Saturday, May 7, 4:00 pm Sarasota First Presbyterian Church
Les Canards Chantants
For tickets, go to keychorale.org or call the box office at 941-552-8768. ADVERTORIAL
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Tummy Trouble?
Here’s How to Tackle Your Dog’s Digestive Issues
Paw Pals
Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist at DOGPerfect From run-of-the-mill table scraps, to the kids’ homework (allegedly), to household garbage, dogs are notorious for eating things they aren’t meant to consume. Believe it or not, this behavior comes with its own medical terminology: dietary indiscretion. And, as you might imagine, it’s one of the most common causes of doggie digestive issues. Though gut grumbles resulting from dietary indiscretion might be the fault of your pup, most digestive issues are not. If your dog is having tummy troubles, here are some likely triggers and what you can do to soothe them. Identify the Cause: Toxicity, Contamination and Infection Let’s be honest: many dogs get away with eating things they probably shouldn’t. But some substances—like certain types of plants or flowers, and foods like chocolate or grapes—can be toxic with symptoms ranging from upset to tremors or changes in heart rate. In rare cases, ingesting these can even be fatal. Don’t take the chance with your pup – make a mental list of everyday items that could cause serious harm, and be on alert if your dog encounters them. More commonly, consumption of contaminated food, water, or stool is how many dogs derail their digestive tract. The bacteria from contamination can irritate the digestive system causing vomiting or diarrhea. Contamination in other items like soil or an infected flea can introduce intestinal parasites, from a variety of worms to protozoa like giardia and coccidia. This can lead to scooting, crouching, vomiting, diarrhea, distended abdomen, or weight loss. If you’ve got a puppy, be on the lookout for parasitic symptoms as young canines can contract them from their mother, in utero or via nursing. And keep in mind, while intestinal parasites are treatable, they’re also preventable, and the best course of action is to see your vet annually for a little preventive maintenance. Additionally, viral infections can result from close contact with sick dogs, and such infections often can’t be treated with antibiotics. In these cases, all you can do is manage your pup’s symptoms and make sure they get plenty of fluids.
Identify the Cause: Diet, Stress and the Rare Emergency Looking for a change of pace in your dog’s diet? Not a bad thing, but err on the side the caution. Abruptly switching your dog’s daily menu can cause gastrointestinal upset and even have the opposite effect of the effort by resulting in decreased appetite. If you decide to change your dog’s diet, we recommend doing so gradually to allow their digestive system time to adapt. If your dog has more on their figurative plate than usual, they could end up suffering from stress diarrhea. Travel, boarding, a move, or big changes at home can all elevate stress levels. If you know there are life adjustments on the way, you may want to speak with your dog’s vet about preventative measures. One final, less common, but still notable cause of canine digestive issues is bloat. When food or gas stretch a dog’s stomach resulting in distension and the stomach is twisted or rotated, gas may become trapped inside. This can lead to a litany of dangerous health issues, even death. If you notice your dog’s stomach has become distended, or if you witness retching, panting, or restlessness, act immediately. Home Remedies and When to Call the Vet So, you’ve got a healthy dog, but they’re showing mild or brief digestive symptoms? We recommend a few simple home treatments. First, dial back the dietary bells and whistles. Most vets suggest taking the menu in a bland direction with simple foods that can help rebalance your pup’s digestion. Second, pet-formulated probiotics that reintroduce positive digestive influences
are a great way to go. We love Dr. Woow’s Digestion Soft Chews for an added boost of digestive support. Next, raw goat’s milk offers a whole food probiotic to level out your pup’s gut flora, help eliminate intestinal inflammation, and prevent symptoms like diarrhea. Lastly, give bone broth a try. Containing gelatin that aids digestion and reduces stomach acid, bone broth can also combat dehydration from water lost to diarrhea and vomiting. In the event symptoms worsen, persist, or if your dog is higher risk due to age or chronic issues, call your vet. If symptoms are more severe, such as listlessness, fever, bloody discharge, excessive shaking, or dry heaves, it’s time to get on the phone. And if your pup is showing abdominal pain or signs of bloat, again, do not delay. There are a lot of ways your dog’s digestive issues can happen, and thankfully lots of simple ways to take care of it. While most of us won’t ever have to treat our pups for the worst of these, it’s best to be in the know to keep our dogs — and their tummies — happy and healthy.
Meet Bowie
Bowie is an 8-year-old mix of an American bully, Staffordshire terrier and pit bull. He was rescued at 5 from a kill shelter by the Second Chance Friends organization. “He was picked up off the streets of Tampa in bad shape,” said Brooke, his owner, who lives in Sarasota. “When I adopted him about two months after leaving the shelter, he was still heart-worm positive and still a bit underweight. He has moderate hip dysplasia as well. “Today he’s heart-worm free, a healthy 75 pounds, extremely active and the most loving dog ever. I rent a room in my home through Airbnb and he continually enjoys rave reviews which highlight his calm, loving nature.”
Kyle Baker, senior pet food nutritionist at DOGPerfect, has a passion for educating pet parents on the power of nutrition and how it can improve their pet’s lives with proper food, supplements and treats. DOGPerfect is a locally owned and operated pet supply store with locations in The Landings, University Park, and Lakewood Ranch. Visit www.DOGPerfect.com for more information and to sign-up for a free one-on-one nutrition consult with Kyle.
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BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 Nutritious You......................................... C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery......B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co.............................................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17
CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX
Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures...... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Eye Style Optical ....................................C-3 #17 Sanctuary Siesta Key............................... A-5 #12 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... D-3 #17 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 Siesta Creamery....................................... C-3 #14 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES
Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 Crescent Club...........................................B-3 #13 Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty.................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES
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Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12 Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7
Clayton’s Siesta Grille.............................B-3 #9
Daiquiri Deck.................................................A-3 #2
Pizza ‘N Brew Siesta Key...................... D-3 #17 Spear Fish Grill..............................................A-4 #5 Toasted Mango Cafe....................................C-3 #17
Miguel’s Restaurant................................ C-3 #17 WATER SPORTS - FISHING - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 FIN Island Co. ........................................... A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Parasail Siesta........................................... A-3 #2 Siesta Key Bike & Kayak . ......................B-3 #8 Siesta Key Marina.................................... A-4 #5 Siesta Key Jetski ........................................ A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12
Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17
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Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.
MAP A-5 #12
Coconuts Fashion MAP 1215 Old Stickney Point Rd. B-3 #1&8
Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.
MAP B-3 #1
Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.
Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.
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Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.
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CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.
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Siesta Snapshots
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Photos by Trebor Britt
“Guarding Siesta” -- Lifeguard Austin Venhaus is on watch over spring break. One of Sarasota County’s newest lifeguards, you’ll find him on Casey Key, Venice, Lido or Siesta beaches. He moved here from Seattle and graduated from New College in Sarasota. “On the Down-low“-- Snowbirds Marilyn and Vincent Tropiano of New York have been chilling out on Siesta Beach for years now. The tradition was started by Marilyn’s parents. She related, “Sarasota in general is a mecca for cultural activities and we love it here.”
“Beach Friends“ -- From left, Cuban-born Stephania and friends Zenopia, Alyssa and Mattie of Sarasota are happy to be on spring break. All of them became friends at school. Although she still has family in Cuba, Stephania was able to leave there when she was 12.
“Cup Catch”-- Alex Adamec and Kendal Taylor of Naples play cup catch. A spa receptionist at Naples Grand Beach Resort, Kendal may go into cosmetology and/or real estate. Alex is hoping for a tennis scholarship at a major college or university. His goal is to play on tour as a professional tennis player.
“Seeing Double“ -- From left, identical twins Drew and Brady Bowman of Buffalo are joined by Randy Kelly of Sarasota and friend Blake Schreiner, as they enjoy one of the beach volleyball courts near the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. Brady plays volleyball both for his school and a private club in upstate New York.
“Soccer in the Park” -- Marlins player Margo, 6, of Sarasota sprints to retrieve a loose soccer ball in a 4- to 6-year-old league match at Glebe Park. This is her first year playing in the Suncoast Sports League on Siesta Key.
“Swingin’ on Siesta“ -- Here to visit his grandmother is Will, 4, and his mom, Christina, of Connecticut. They enjoyed the newly installed safety swing on the Siesta Beach playground. Will said he was taking a break from making sand castles. Christina is a sales representative in New York City.
“A-peeling Cabannas” -- Boucher Brothers started offering cabannas for rent on Siesta Beach about two months ago. They’ve also purchased all new umbrellas and chairs. Their future plans are to offer comfortable queen-sized beach beds complete with a cabana at one end to provide some shade and wind protection. Rentals are offered daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Siesta Pickle” -- Temperatures in the 50s could not deter these pickleball players on Siesta Key as all four courts were actively being used. Two of the four tennis courts off the beach have been converted to pickleball. The sport uses a racket/ paddle and was created by combining elements of several other racket sports. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. The ball is much like a waffle ball a with 26 to 40 round holes. A pickleball court is similar to badminton, with a net similar to tennis, and the paddles are similar to those in table tennis.
“Beach Brothers” -- Brothers Owen, 9, and Jack, 7, of London are ready to enjoy a day at the beach. This was their third time to travel from England here to visit Siesta Key. In his young British accent, Owen said his favorite reason for going to the beach is “swimming in the sea.”
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast
Florida Fish of Siesta Key
Red Snapper
Guest editorial Time to give the snowy plover a Siesta Key welcome
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799
Florida Puffer
By Kylie Wilson
Yellowtail
A
Florida Puffer Sailfish Sailfish Spanish Mackerel Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi”
Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Lane Snapper Scamp Black Mullet Snook Red Drum “Redfish”
Tarpon
Baracuda
Gulf Flounder
Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle
AmberJack
Spotted Sea Trout
Cobia
Catfish
King King Mackerel Mackerel
Blue Marlin
Black Grouper
Sheesphead
Michigan’s Susan Wayde displays a trout she reeled in. (submitted photo)
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his is a great month for snook on shallow flats. Reds and trout will also be more active as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. You might find Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano in passes or on deep grass flats. Look for Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail in the coastal gulf this month. Tarpon should also make an appearance in back country areas and in the coastal gulf later in the month. Tarpon will become more plentiful as resident fish make their way out of rivers and creeks, and early-arriving migratory fish will begin to show along beaches -- particularly by the end of the month. Water temperature in the gulf is a key factor with 80 degrees being an optimum temperature. As the water warms toward that, fish will become more plentiful. Resident fish may be rolling on deep grass flats in some of the same places that you find trout, laid up on edges of shallow grass flats or along sand bars. Spin anglers might score with a DOA Shrimp, Baitbuster or 4-inch CAL Shad Tail, while fly anglers might connect with a black Deceiver or Tarpon Bunny fly. Keep your tarpon tackle rigged and ready this time of year so you’re able to take advantage of any opportunity that arises. Snook and reds remain closed to harvest south of State Road 64 in Manatee County on the west coast of Florida, south to the south bank of Gordon Pass in Collier County. Reds and snook are catch-andrelease only in that zone until May 31. Spotted Seatrout has reopened in that zone with a three-fish-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. Full regulations and details can be viewed at myfwc. com. Snook should be staging on flats, around sand and oyster bars, on points of islands and around docks and bridges close to passes in the Intracoastal Waterway. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails including the 4-inch CAL Shad, DOA Baitbusters, or surface-walking top-water plugs, like the DOA PT. Fish the edges of bars and potholes when the tide is low and mangrove shorelines or points of islands when the tide is high. You’ll also find snook around docks and bridges in the Intracoastal Waterway. Night snook fishing should be productive with small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms, DOA Shrimp and Tiny TerrorEyz. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. Reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats due to more plentiful bait. I am seeing a decline in reds and big trout in shallow water in many of the areas that I fish, which makes them even harder to catch with lures and flies. Look for them in potholes, the edges of bars and around docks when the tide is low. You should find them higher on flats over shallow grass or around mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like a 1/16-ounce CAL jig with a shad tail or jerk worm for reds in shallow water. They are easy to fish in shallow water, come in multiple colors and are a good way to find reds. My Grassett Flats Minnow is my “go-to” fly for reds. It fishes well in shallow water and its bend-back design makes it very weedless.
Kid Catch of the Month!
Black Drum
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William from Ohio was happy after he caught and released this jack crevalle while fishing with frozen shrimp on a rod and reel he rented from CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. If you’d like to submit a picture and caption involving a child’s fishing moment, send an email to: info@27statemedia. com. (submitted photo)
s white as the Siesta Key sugar sand and no larger than the palm of a hand, snowy plovers are a difficult bird to notice. Their excellent ability to camouflage is an evolutionary trait designed to help them survive but, as recreational use of the beaches increases, it now Wilson puts them in harm’s way. Siesta Key has tens of thousands of visitors a year from all over the world – many have never even heard of a plover, let alone realize that these imperiled birds lay their eggs directly on top of the sand. The snowy plover is a solitary nester, meaning just a male and female will defend their nest from predators and other plovers vying for limited available nesting territory. The male creates a series of scrapes by digging out a small depression in the sand. The female selects one she likes and lays two to three eggs. Then, if all goes well, in approximately four weeks the eggs will hatch. Sadly, on Siesta Key things seldom go well for these birds. Since 2016, not a single snowy plover chick has fledged -- meaning survived to an age where it can fly -- from Siesta Key. There have been more than 50 nests laid since then. The last chicks to hatch on Siesta
were from the 2017 nesting season, but they did not fledge. There are many threats that snowy plovers face, from evading predators and people to braving tropical storms; raising chicks on busy Florida beaches has become a nearly impossible feat. In a 2021 report by the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the range of breeding adult snowy plovers was estimated between 343 to 379 individuals. A previous report from 2006 conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found there were 444 breeding adults in the state. This means, even when looking at the high range of the estimate, there has been about a 15% decrease in the population in 15 years. At this rate, every nest is critically important for the survival of these birds. Florida snowy plovers nest in two main regions of the state, the northwest and the southwest. The northwest hosts the majority of the nesting population, about 80% of the population nests in the Panhandle of Florida while 20% nests on Gulf beaches in the southwest. The habitat is suitable in both regions but in the panhandle, more beaches have limited access making human disturbance less frequent. This is not the case on Siesta Key. Just north of the main public beach there is an area owned by Continued on page 37
MAY 2022 TIDE CHART
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Getting Your Phil
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By Phil Colpas
What is the origin of ‘Florida cracker’?
f someone calls you a Florida cracker, should you be upset? The answer is … well, complicated. There’s no doubt that the term “cracker” has long been used as a pejorative, a racial epithet directed toward white people. Its origins are disputed, but it seems to stem from the root word “craic,” a Gaelic word meaning loud conversation or braggadocious talk. During the Elizabethan era circa 1550, “craic” became “crack,” and referred to entertaining conversation or “cracking” a joke. Later, in the 1700s, the term cracker was used to describe Celtic immigrants to the southeastern United States who had the reputation of being boastful and unruly. By the 1800s, those same immigrants had adopted the term, referring to themselves as crackers with a sense of pride. In 1947, when Florida State University students were voting on the name of its athletic teams, Crackers finished in the top six. (They chose the Seminoles. Re-vote, anyone?) So, if someone calls you a cracker, take it as a compliment … whether it was meant that way or not! Closing of Crescent Beach Grocery represents the end of an era When Crescent Beach Grocery owner Nancy Connelly announced in April that, after 19 years of running the store, she was retiring, selling everything and closing the doors forever, it was a bit of a shock. Originally opened in 1952 as Crescent Beach Grocery and Sundries, the space at 1211 Old Stickney Point Rd. has been a market ever since, with assorted, funky
shops surrounding it. Lucky enough to grow up on Siesta Key, I worked there in the late 1980s and early 1990s, through high school and junior college, when it was called Crescent Market. Back then, it was operated by the Messina brothers, Vince and Peter, who also ran all of the Quick Stop convenience stores in town and, for a time, Siesta Market in the Village. Crescent Market was a proper, oldfashioned neighborhood grocery store, complete with a meat department with an actual butcher, a deli featuring fresh-made sandwiches and prepared hot foods and, of course, groceries. I worked every job possible during my tenure there: cashier, bag boy (no longer PC by today’s standards, the term was used freely in the ancient past), stock boy (OK, I’m seeing a pattern), sandwich maker, butcher’s apprentice, deli counter worker (interestingly, there was never a proper title for this occupation), produce manager ... you get the idea. The wonderful thing about doing almost every job provided a perspective that I don’t think is readily available anymore. It’s the old “walk a mile in my shoes” analogy, which provided a much better understanding of the work required in each department, and how those departments worked together. And while technology and automation may have increased the overall alacrity of the shopping experience, it has done little to contribute to the knowledge base of those working in it. Case in point: Back in the day, cashiers (including yours truly) had to manually key in the department (“deli” or “meat” or “produce,” for example) and the price. There were no scanners in sight. Cashiers were also expected to be able to make change without the aid of a counting machine, using only their own mathematical skills and winning personalities. This was indicative of the old-school,
independent markets and mom-and-pop shops. Out of necessity, everyone did a little bit of everything. But this created some wonderful side effects, offering employees the opportunity to wear many different hats, to experience the business from various perspectives and, possibly most importantly, better understand how the job they’re doing
affects other departments. Now, most independent, neighborhood markets have long since been replaced by supermarkets and big box stores. I wonder how many young people today have the opportunity to work in a neighborhood market like Crescent Beach Grocery. Not many, I fear.
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CLUBHOUSE MOORINGS RESTAURANT WET SLIPS BOATS DOCKS OCEAN RIVER YACHTS BUOYS DRY SLIPS RAMP SHIPSTORE CANALS HARBOR REFUEL STORAGE CHANDLERS MARINA REPAIR WASH Answers on Page 44
CONVENIENCE YOU NEED, ATTENTION YOU DESERVE Have you ever wished your primary care practitioner could spend more than a few minutes with you? Or, better yet, that they could come to you? Now, that’s possible! NP On The Key gives you a direct connection to a Nurse Practitioner, in your home or online. Get the personal attention you need from a provider who takes a whole-person approach to health and wellness. You can pay a la carte for home visits and telehealth appointments, or you can join our concierge practice for ongoing care on Siesta Key or in the Sarasota region. Tiffany Tompkins is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who brings over 15 years of medical experience and a compassionate, attentive bedside manner right to your door. She specializes in family and integrative medicine, and is committed to treating her patients as people, not numbers, with outstanding, personalized attention. Tiffany graduated with honors from both Simmons University (Boston, MA) with a Master of Science in Nursing degree, and Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Prior to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, Tiffany worked as a registered nurse in med-surg, critical care, neuro/stroke and pre-/post-operative units, both in hospital and ambulatory settings.
A PARTNER IN YOUR CARE Tiffany takes great care to partner with her patients on their medical journey from a holistic point of view. She looks at the whole person – mind, body and spirit – so she can treat and serve each person with shared decision-making and a level of health care delivery that’s hard to achieve in the typical clinical setting. Her mantra is to treat others as she would like to be treated and as if her family member is the patient sitting in front of her, whether in person or virtually. Tiffany loves living in Siesta Key, Florida, where she and her family are avid paddle-boarders, pickle ballers, boaters and golfers. Tiffany is also passionately involved in her community through her work at a nationally recognized charitable organization that serves Sarasota County.
NP on the Key, LLC Tiffany Tompkins
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Home watch
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the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast specifically designated for snowy plover nesting. This parcel is pre-posted every season around March and April – symbolic signage and twine block off the area and includes information about the birds. For the past several years, this site has been vandalized early in the nesting season, usually during spring break. Humans deliberately entering nesting areas is far from the only issue. Snowy plovers are highly sensitive to disturbances and vulnerable to a wide range of predators. These birds are no larger than 5 inches and their main defense is to be invisible. However, some predators have learned how to spot them. Fish crows and ghost crabs are the primary predators of snowy plover nests on Siesta. Usually, when crows fly over the nest, the snowy plover will run off – it depends on the well-camouflaged eggs to go undetected. However, if a crow does find the nest there is little a snowy plover can do to stop the much larger birds from attacking the eggs. Aside from predation and human disturbance, snowy plovers on Siesta are also losing vital habitat. A pervasive grass has taken over large areas of the beach that used to be open sand. This vegetation growth has turned once suitable beach nesting habitat into a dense field. With less beach to nest on, more predators to evade and increased risk of disturbance, it is no wonder these birds have become nearly absent from Siesta. What can we do to help the snowy plover? Simple: Respect posted areas, do not leave trash or food on the beach, keep dogs on a leash and away from nesting areas, and support conservation efforts to restore habitat and protect nesting areas. If you really want to be involved, consider volunteering as a bird steward to educate beach visitors about our nesting birds! Volunteers steward at nest sites from March through August. For more information, you can contact Kylie Wilson at kylie.wilson@audubon.org. (Kylie Wilson is shorebird coordinator for Audubon Florida.)
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listing in the Yellow Pages — remember them? I was one of five other listings serving the entire southwest Florida area,” said Whittinghill, who closed his business to retire in January of this year. “Now, flash forward to 2022 and an individual can Google pages of individuals and/ or companies providing all types of home watch services.” Home watch services grew out of friendly, informal housesitting agreements, what Pisani calls “neighbors doing favors” and “home watch hobbyists.” In southwest Florida, the combination of part-time residents and retirees in search of second careers created a cozy cottage industry — albeit centered on significant financial investments. Home watch here began as “baby boomers serving baby boomers.” Steady demand and an easy, “anybody can do it” perception encouraged more people to turn pro, regardless of experience or qualifications. “We have a problem in Florida: There are less-than-legitimate home watch companies doing business,” said the NHWA’s Luber. “People driving around with no
insurance, no bonding, no training, no recourse for their clients, no security policies, no coding practices, no recording practices. These people have the keys to some beautiful homes on Siesta Key. They have access to personal information, artwork, possessions, and other personal things.” Be careful out there Even today the home watch industry remains unrecognized — and therefore unregulated — by state and federal governments. Anyone can call themselves a home watch professional. Homeowners now struggle to determine which ones can be counted on. High risk is built into the transaction, and horror stories abound: shady home watch workers “borrowing” vehicles or even furniture, inviting friends to sleep on the premises, or just filling out their weekly reports months in advance. Leaving a house unattended is risky, but so, it seems, is giving the keys to a stranger from an unregulated industry. “People will say, ‘I’m licensed and insured,’” warned Pisani. “They are not licensed. There is no license.”
In 2008, Pisani began teaching “Home Watch 101” to aspiring local home watch entrepreneurs as a way to “grow [her] own” reliable professionals to whom she could refer clients. She now runs Home Watch Academy, an extensive online training resource, and is a co-founder of the International Home Watch Alliance, a nonprofit 501(c)6 professional organization which vets, approves and certifies home watch reporters. There is no longer a shortage of home watch options. But finding the right one among dozens for your budget and your circumstances remains a challenge. The International Home Watch Alliance and Luber’s National Home Watch Association both serve to provide some level of accountability to their members, a level of reassurance to their members’ clients, and an overall sense of professional consistency to an otherwise unregulated industry. “This is a profession that’s just becoming an industry,” said Pisani. “We’re at the forefront of the development of the industry, and that is exciting, and that is a huge responsibility.”
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Customized sunglasses available, with or without prescription. Polarized lenses enhanced colors, contrast and clarity, also protect from glare and 100% of harmful UVA & UVC rays. Full Service Optical Boutique. Call today and make an appointment with our Board Certified Optometry Physician. Discover this hiding gem in Gulf gate. Unique Contemporary & Vintage Eyeglasses. 6541 Superior Ave. • Sarasota, FL 34231 GULFGATE Business District.
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DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE 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 flattops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune featuring their mouth-watering burgers, Chicago style pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family. Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-11): 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. – 941554-8905. 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 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., 941-924-5800. 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 941-9242330 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 941-4447984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician. Butter Curated Thrift (S6) offers handpicked sustainable thrift: eclectic, creative, and inspired. For you and your home & work space. Ever changing curated inventory: bar ware, kitchen ware, art, furniture, clothing, vintage, retro, reclaim, reuse, and reduce. Located at 6625 Superior Ave, store hours are Tuesday – Thursday 10AM – 5PM and Saturday 9:30AM-5PM. Hidden Gem SRQ (G46) is a family-owned small business grateful to offer Sarasota a world class collection of crystals, gemstones meteorite, and minerals. Custom handmade silver and gold jewelry and laser engraved jewelry and art! Open daily from 10 AM- 6 PM, Hidden Gems is located at 6526 Gateway Avenue and phone number is 941-414-1413.
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Crescent Beach Grocery plaza sale acquired the building. It was built by her father, George Connelly, who started the market in 1952 and later sold it in the 1970s. On April 12, Connelly announced she was retiring and that her grocery store, which she runs with her husband, Bill Singleton, would be holding a going-out-of-business liquidation sale between April 14 and 20 that included fixtures and equipment. Brown said he hoped to replace the grocery store with another one, even buying many of those fixtures and pieces of equipment, but he’s thus far received little interest. One of the grocers he’s contacted are the Mortons, who operate the store in the building he owns in the Village. Others in the area have been approached by Brown, but nothing has materialized. “It’s been tough,” he said. “First of all, there’s only 7,000 square feet in that store. And unless you know the dynamics of Siesta Key, people in that business tend to wonder why a grocery would work here. Their algorithms tell them to be on (U.S.) 41, where 50,000 cars come by per day. “So, I’m looking at alternatives.” Other options Still, the building does sit on one of the most high-profile lots on Siesta Key. It’s one of the first things you see as you arrive at Midnight Pass Road after coming over the south bridge. “That’s one prime piece of property,” said Scott Dolan, owner of Big Water Fish Market. Added Steve Cavanaugh, the outgoing president of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and owner of the RE/MAX Tropical Sands business located on the top floor of the building, “The drive-by traffic here is extraordinary.” While the site’s future is undetermined, what Brown said he’s not going to do is build condos or a hotel. Nor will he be creating a tavern or night club. “At this stage, between staffing issues and quality-of-life-issues, I’m staying away from that,” he said. “I
can promise one thing, it will not be a night club, even though, technically, zoning allows for it. I want something compatible with Brown the area and a night club does not fit.” He’s also not tearing it down. “The bones are good, much like all the buildings built in that era. What it is in need of, desperately, is a facelift,” Brown said. A nice restaurant, for which Brown is known, is a possibility, he said. Cavanaugh can understand why that may be a good decision. “He’s done pretty well with everything else he’s owned like that,” Cavanaugh said. Brown also said something in the realm of traditional retail is a consideration. “I have been approached by several high-end restaurant groups and retail outfits,” he said. “We are in multiple discussions at this time.” South Village taking shape Regarding the sudden sale, Cavanaugh said Connelly off-andon had also made it clear through word of mouth that it was for sale, but he said he always thought Connelly’s unofficial asking price was a bit “pie in the sky.” “It did kind of come out of nowhere – Nancy never mentioned a word,” Cavanaugh said of the sale. “But like we all know all it takes is the right buyer.” The building had been listed on LoopNet as recent as April 11, listing an assessed value of $2,910,500. The two-story building has 31 parking spaces and occupies 140 feet of Midnight Pass Road frontage. And Cavanaugh sees in Brown the right buyer to help offer a big boost to an area that in many ways has played second fiddle to the Village. “Chris is a good guy, and he’s done a lot for Siesta Key,”
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Cavanaugh said. “All of his establishments in the Village are top-notch. “This helps bring (the south end) into the ‘now.’ In my talks with Chris, I know he plans to invest substantially to gentrify the property. It would sure be a nice focal point when you come over that bridge.” Brown agrees. “There’s room for more of what visitors and residents want. There’s a lot of synergy right now on the south end,” Brown said. “And one thing I didn’t know is that the overwhelming majority of the short-term rental zoning is down there. This is a great opportunity to fill another void.” He even thinks the district could be comparable to the Village in terms of appeal and offerings as soon as a year from now. “It’s almost there,” Brown said. “Just a couple more steps.” Other recent moving parts in the south end include the outdoor seating created at Captain Curt’s, plans for more of the same at Crescent Plaza, an outdoor addition at the Crescent Club, the creation of an employee-only parking lot, the building of new high-end beachfront condos on Seaside Drive (see story on page 13), and the approval of a 120room hotel toward the end of Old Stickney Point Road that includes a nearby five-story parking garage. Gary Kompothecras is the owner of the Crescent Club and the forthcoming hotel. “I am very happy that Chris Brown purchased the grocery store building. That area needs to be updated and improved for the whole neighborhood to enjoy,” Kompothecras said. “We share a common vision of Siesta Key as a gem to be developed into both a family vacation spot and a place to raise a family. It is truly a passion of ours. “I welcome him and hope to develop the south-of-the-bridge district as a major vacation destination. Infrastructure and planning are a must, and I look forward to the future.”
Nancy Connelly and Bill Singleton of Crescent Beach Grocery. (file photo)
The renters await their fate So, what will become of the current tenants? “We’re working on some longterm solutions,” said Brown, who added that both of the tenants he inherited --Tropical Sands and Coconuts -- are welcome to stay. John Cannon has leased the space for his Coconuts women’s fashion store there for 28 years, at the far-right side of the plaza. “We’ve had conversations, but nothing has been settled,” Cannon said of his interaction with Brown since the sale. To be safe, he’s starting to look for other locations. “We’re all getting our ‘plan B’ in place, if things don’t work out,” Cannon said. Same goes for Cavanaugh, who has leased there since 2005. “I was told I’d have four to six months to relocate, if that’s what’s needed,” Cavanaugh said. “It would be sad to have to set-up elsewhere. But with (Brown) paying that much, the result would likely be such a high number in rent that it wouldn’t be worth it.” Meanwhile, Brown said he feels
fortunate to be involved with another chapter in Siesta Key’s evolution. “You know, the word ‘growth’ is open to interpretation. It’s inevitable, and I’ve learned to embrace it,” he said. “I’m not a ‘If you build it, they will come’ guy. That’s not me. I’m not a developer. “I’m all about smart growth. I reinvigorate, improve. I create something that fills a void.” And, as someone who lived on the Key for many years, he’s a known commodity who appreciates his role. “Many of the properties I’ve bought were generational, and that’s the case again with the grocery store,” Brown said. “I heard that Nancy even turned down a higher offer because she thought I’d be a better fit. She trusted me. I’m honored to have them pass the torch to me.” Said Connelly of Brown, “He’s done great things with his properties in the Village and I’m certain he’ll do great things with my property.”
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Redistricting, political move could impact incorporation effort Also, city shoots down elected mayor idea, likely eliminating possible Siesta Key commission seat By John Morton A redistricting shake-up on the state front could assist Save Siesta Key’s desire for incorporation, as two members of the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation who voted in opposition will no longer have votes. District 71’s Will Robinson, who chaired the delegation, will now be limited to western Manatee County representation. His current map extends all the way to include the northern tip of Siesta Key. District 73’s Tommy Gregory, meanwhile, has announced he is moving from eastern Sarasota County -- which is now in the heart of District 74 -- to Lakewood Ranch in western Manatee County to run for the redrawn District 72. It will allow him to avoid running against fellow Republican James Buchanan, who represents District 74
and was the third delegation member to cast a no vote against Save Siesta Key. The 3-3 tie killed the bill in January. The new district maps were approved Gregory by the Florida Supreme Court in March. They go into effect in November. Will the departure of Robinson and Gregory help turn the tide? “I’m hopeful,” said state Sen. Joe Gruters when asked about the future of Siesta Key’s incorporation bid at the April 7 meeting of the SRQ Tiger Bay Club. The inquiry came from Save Siesta Key board member Tracy Jackson. Gruters was one of four Sarasota County legislators who spoke during
Save Siesta Key
going to get where we want to get until we get out wallets behind our voice and actually take some action,” Hensey said on Feb. 3 while speaking to members of the Siesta Key Association, adding that Save Siesta Key is “probably not the entity” that will get things to change at the county level. The comments came one month after the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation shot down the Save Siesta Key incorporation bill before it ever got to Tallahassee for consideration by the house and senate. Hensey, who recently retired as an executive in the construction industry, participated in several PACs during his career and even ran the second-largest PAC in Florida over the course of five years, he told Siesta Key Association members.
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pro-development approach by the county commission -- including the recent approval of the construction of two high-rise hotels. Similarly, Siesta Key Association board member Jean Cannon said her group has begun to discuss the idea of hosting candidate forums related to the election. She said it has occasionally done so in the past, most recently held at Gulf & Bay Club in connection to Margaret Good’s state representative run in 2018. Regarding Save Siesta Key, as a 501(c)(4) entity its primary focus cannot be to influence political campaigns. It can endorse candidates but can’t contribute to any financially. With that in mind, Hensey has said the formation of a political action group, known as a PAC, may be a necessary step for island residents. A PAC’s chief purpose is to pool money together from its members and contributors to support a particular candidate or political issue. “On Siesta Key we are never
Rodkin comes on board With both another incorporation effort and a voice in the county elections on the road map, Save Siesta Key has continued to bolster its board after three departures came after the delegation’s rejection. The newest addition is Gary
the club’s annual legislative update panel discussion. Joining Gruters were Robinson, Gregory, and state Rep. Fiona McFarland. Gruters, McFarland (the bill’s sponsor), and state Rep. Michele Rayner voted yes. Siesta Key, now mostly in District 72, will soon belong to District 73 where McFarland will have exclusive representation. City makes mayor decision Meanwhile, a recent decision by the city of Sarasota’s commissioners to not go with a “strong-mayor” form of government may have further diminished the potential of Siesta Key considering annexation into the city. In January, a few days after
the failed incorporation vote, Sarasota Mayor Erik Arroyo said he’d ask Siesta leaders to consider joining the city. In February, representatives from the Key’s four most influential non-profits met with Arroyo for what Save Siesta Key chairman Tim Hensey called a very general, preliminary discussion. This, despite the fact the incorporation group had said it had no interest in such an idea and planned to immediately try for incorporation a second time. No follow-up meetings between Siesta and the city have taken place. The city’s mill rate of 3.13 was among the reasons for doubt. Save Siesta Key’s proposal that was shot down called for a .25 mill rate – a staggering difference for taxpayers. Then, the city commission on
March 28 voted 4-1 to keep its existing government structure in place, rejecting a recommendation by a charter review committee to instead have a mayor elected separately by the populace. The mayor currently serves as one of five elected commissioners – three by district and two at-large – and is selected annually by a vote among the five who have seats. Had the elected mayor suggestion been approved for a referendum vote and then passed, there was speculation that a commission spot could be made available and possibly even earmarked for a Siesta Key representative, if indeed annexation took place.
Rodkin, a retiree on the Key’s south end. The recipient of an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, Rodkin is past CEO and president of ConAngra Foods, one of the largest food-processing companies in North America. He was also CEO and president of the North American division of PepsiCo. “Gary Rodkin is a great addition to our board on multiple fronts,” Hensey said. “First of all, as a resident of Sanderling Club he experiences the traffic logjam at the intersections of Midnight Pass and Stickney Point, and Stickney Point and U.S. 41, on a daily basis. It is more than inconvenience -- it threatens the safety of our residents and visitors. “Secondly, Gary’s professional accomplishments, as past CEO of a Fortune 500 company, demonstrate his expertise in leadership, strategic thinking, public speaking, written communication and management of people and process that would be a benefit to virtually any board or organization. We are very fortunate to have him join our ranks” Rodkin said his interest in the incorporation effort echo those
of the other board members, simply rooted in being a frustrated resident. “I’m not sure I have any particular skills beyond being a concerned citizen,” he said. “I do have good insights into understanding complex issues, and formulating pragmatic solutions, from a long career in leading large public corporations. “As a long-time resident, I was motivated to join Save Siesta Key to help give the people of Siesta Key a voice in determining how our community is governed. For years many local groups, organizations, and individuals have expressed deep concerns with the continuing overdevelopment and densification of our island. Yet it continues unabated. This has led to major traffic, safety, and environmental issues that will get even worse in the future. The integrity of our rules and regulations is ignored, as the money interests of the few completely override the very real concerns of the residents who must live with the consequences. “We have had a home on Siesta Key since 1995. At that time, we couldn’t believe we were able to work and live in such a beautiful
paradise. We have watched, especially in the last five years, how much this has changed. There are many things that could be done to improve this situation before it’s too late. I know that virtually every citizen of Siesta Key agrees. Our elected officials need to start listening.” Rodkin joins island resident Jodie Tierney as the board’s newcomers, who joined in February. She has extensive experience as a lobbyist in being the director of state government affairs with Neurocrine Biosciences. She also was an executive with UnitedHealth Tierney Group and worked with the Wisconsin State Assembly. Save Siesta Key’s board members are now Hensey, Rodkin, Tierney, John Davidson, Stephen Lexow, and Tracy Jackson. Original board members who have left are Rick Munroe, Harry Anand, Chuck Byrne, and Lisa Choate.
(Jane Bartnett contributed to this report.)
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The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key
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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 506 VENICE LANE $4.88 MILLION Large family home with over 6,800 square feet with 25-foot ceilings featuring exposed beams highlighted by a stone gas fireplace with one of kind artisan design. Gourmet chef’s kitchen, open to the great room and breakfast area, presents top of the line appliances, stunning granite countertops, two toned cabinetry and a butler’s pantry with pass through. Five bedrooms with ensuite baths. A built-in salt water aquarium is the
LOWEST-PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE 1249 S. VIEW DRIVE $995,000 This lushly landscaped lot and wellmaintained ranch-style home creates the perfect full-time residence or home away from home. The split plan offers
centerpiece of the bar area. The master suite on the second level overlooks the Grand Canal with private access to the terrace, an expansive master closet with custom built ins, and master bath with a central walk-in shower, Jacuzzi tub and double vanities. The third floor hosts a private theater room. The outdoor entertaining area with pool, waterfall and wooden bridge to the large deck with boat dock and Jet Ski lift. Electric screens enclose both terraces while entertaining at the elaborate outdoor kitchen. Home is being offered turnkey furnished. Courtesy of Mapp Realty
three generously sized bedrooms and beautiful wood beamed vaulted ceilings. The open living spaces all have views of the pool and the screened terrace, which is the perfect place for entertaining and al fresco dining. Courtesy of Compass
HIGHEST-PRICED CONDO 5400 OCEAN BLVD., #2-1 $2.4 MILLION Spacious three-bedroom, three-bath, gulf-front unit. On the beach in The TERRACE building. The location is second to none, directly on the beach and just steps away from the heart of the Village. Enjoy all the restaurants, boutiques, markets, spas, and night life within two blocks. This fabulous beachfront corner
LOWEST-PRICED CONDO 6157 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, UNIT F21 $445,000 Turnkey furnished first floor, two--bedroom, with seven-day minimum rentals permitted. This open floor plan has granite counter tops with the matching granite island for the modern touch. Matching silver appliances as well as modern design cabinetry to
unit has five over-sized balconies with stunning sunsets. The building recently underwent major renovations; plumbing, AC, generator, well, exterior concrete restoration, new fences, new entry security, interiors updated in the lobby, lounge, fitness/game area, and elevators. This unit also has an assigned undercover parking spot close to the entry door. Courtesy of William Raveis
top off the eloquent but simple design. The master bedroom is full size and even with furnishings there still is plenty of space. The second bedroom offers a large walk-in closet. There is a large screened in covered lanai off the living that room looks out to a garden view with mature landscaping and oak trees and has a 6X6 storage room. Courtesy of White Sands Realty
NMLS #1783476
Build the home of your dreams on this Canopy Road in a one-of-a-kind Siesta Key neighborhood with old Florida charm. This family-friendly and pet-friendly street winds around beautiful Twin Oak pond with lighted fountains and surrounded by old oaks and a variety of palms. The 10, 000+ sf lot is cleared and ready to build. Nearby Glebe Park has playgrounds, basketball courts, a soccer field, and a baseball field, and world-famous Siesta Beach is only a short mile away! Architectural plans are available from the seller.
Al Nemore
941- 479-1175 • 856-278-7522 realtornemo@gmail.com
Marty Remillard NMLS#343653
No Lender Fees 941. 223.9416 highdefintionmortgage.com
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HOMES FOR SALE GULF-FRONT UNIT Rarely available, spacious threebedroom, three-bath. On the beach in The TERRACE building. The location is second to none, directly on the beach and just steps away from the heart of the village. This fabulous beachfront corner unit has five oversized balconies with stunning sunsets. The swimming pool is fantastic; over-sized, extremely deep, heated, saltwater with full gulf-front views. If you enjoy sunsets and walking the beach you have found paradise. The award-winning white sugar sand of Siesta Key, the finest white sand in America is at your doorstep. 5400 OCEAN BLVD, #2-1, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4472758, $2,599,999, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-894-1255 PERFECT INVESTMENT PROPERTY. NO minimum stays and NO pet restrictions. The premier location of Sandy Toes is one of the most desirable spots on Siesta Key within close
walking distance to everything that is needed for a memorable world-class island vacation experience. Park the cars in your two-car garage and walk to shops, restaurants, boutiques, and the newest most popular nightlife and live music on the island or jump on the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley to experience Siesta Village. 6810 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4507853, $1,350,000, William Raveis Real Estate, 941894-1255 STUNNING VIEWS from three-bedroom, two-and-a-halfbathroom beach condo. The views are stunning, and the sunsets never disappoint. The total square footage is 2,245 with 1,845 square feet of air-conditioned space with five private balconies, three of which are oversized. This flowing open floor plan is perfect for beachside living and elegant entertaining. A walker’s paradise on the white sands of Siesta
Beach to the heart of the village, restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife. 5400 OCEAN BLVD, #1-3, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4486556, $1,599,999, William Raveis Real Estate, 941894-1255 WATERFRONT SANCTUARY Situated in a private tropical setting on north Siesta Key at the end of a cul-de-sac. It features a dock with davit allowing for a quick boat ride to Sarasota Bay, Lido Beach and direct access to the Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway. This charming and unique open floor plan features a vaulted ceiling, reclaimed wood beams, wood floors, fabulous kitchen with glassed pantry, spacious wood and granite countertops, and stainless appliances. Double French doors open to an expansive covered deck. 111 FAUBEL ST, SARASOTA, FL 34242 MLS# A4517235, $1,300,000, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-894-1255
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Letter to the editor In the midst of current skepticism toward mainstream media, local papers have become the best option for truth in journalism. Your recent coverage of our 45th wedding anniversary easily wove our historic Siesta Key roots (1960!) with our global charity endeavors on five continents. Reporter Hannah Wallace then accurately shared our love story along with our Key Sailing charter adventures, and was somehow able to mention the 1989 foiled Colombian kidnap on my life without taking away from the point of the story: “Everyone has a story.” Now it is my turn to report some good news. As this story was going to print, I was miraculously healed from 33 years of pain resulting from the traumatic brain injury that left me unconscious for three days and with degenerative brain damage for much of my life. My specialists have verified the difference, and this new chapter might give hope to others who have followed a trail of faith only to wonder when God will answer their prayers. As you can imagine, this miracle added new meaning to our recent renewal of vows, as well as another chapter to the “sailing home” story. Why share this with you? Because the true Siesta Key reality is that of a community that plays and prays in the sand together. Thanks for sailing home with us and keep printing the good news from the world’s whitest sand.
Gardens in Paradise a success
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The Sarasota Garden Club’s Gardens in Paradise tour took place on Saturday, March 26. It was a huge success and every garden looked like a picture – and the weather was ideal. More than 800-plus tickets were purchased and 180 lunches sold. Mable Ringling even took time out to visit the Sarasota Garden Club, where she greeted people with a smile and an umbrella to set the scene. She also answered historic questions. Thank you for your support and sincere thanks to: • Garden owners who were kind enough to prepare and open their gardens to hundreds of visitors and were delighted to discuss their gardens with them. Members, please start thinking about where to go next year as, without key gardens, this event wouldn’t be possible. • Sponsors: The Bay, Sarasota Scene, Rosemary & Thyme (who provided the lunch boxes), The May Group, Ms Scarlett’s Flowers (who provided the “Basket of Sunshine” for each garden), Carol Lackey (who raised additional funds with her “Preview in Paradise” event, as well as opening her own garden on the day), and Rick Benitez Photography • GIP Committee for organizing the event: Kelly Goodwin (Chair), Emily Jaffe (Garden Selection), Gloria Thomas (Logistics), and of course their respective hard-working teams. • Team leaders and volunteers who managed visitors at each of the gardens. • Master gardeners: Karen Pariser (Adventure Committee chairwoman at UF/IFAS Extension of University of Florida and docent liaison to SGC) and her 30plus docents who were at all the gardens throughout the day to answer botanical questions.
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• God the Father invites you to worship His Son Jesus ... SIESTA BEACH PRAYER CIRCLE ... Every Saturday ... an hour before Sunset ... The Original Pavilion ... 948 Beach Road, Sarasota ... Look for the American flag ... ”The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come.’” Siesta Beach Prayer Circle is registered as a fictitious name with the state of FL and operates as a non-profit. Donations are welcome.
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information, said that property to the right of the Beach Access 8 walking trail is generally considered county land, while everything to the left, especially where the trail bends to the left, is generally considered private land. He kept a catamaran there with permission from a homeowner for years, he said, going back as far as 1980. He recently moved it closer to his home near Shell Road and Beach Access 4. A walk of the trail in early April indicated boats were lined up on both sides. “People are moving the boats all over the place right now. They’re scurrying like rats,” Burns said of boatowners. A solution on the horizon? While Burns wants to see the boats remain there, he blames several of their owners for creating the current situation. “Some of them are abandoned and in
disrepair,” Burns said, noting that four or five are in dangerously poor condition and create a liability. He said they should indeed be removed. He added, “Some of them are not tied down. In a hurricane they’d flip, if not worse. People have taken advantage of the situation. There’s been too much apathy. They think, because back in the day no one seemed to care, it is reason to keep things the same. “I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of boats come and go, and it’s true the county never said anything for a long time. It’s no wonder the county got involved.” Burns was among the sailors who tried to monitor the situation on their own in hopes of avoiding county interaction. “I’ve had to cut-up more than 100 boats through the years,” he said. “People would leave them for years and they’d literally disintegrate under the sun. And the more
populated the island has become, the crazier things have gotten there (at Beach Access 8). It became a free-for-all.” The solution? For starters, Burns is convinced that many beachfront owners are open to having a boat stored on their land if done so in a proper manner. “People haven’t had the decency to just knock on a door and ask. Sometimes that’s all it takes,” he said. “There are plenty of property owners who are willing if you tie it down properly and take care of it.” Also, he feels the county should be willing to create an opportunity to allow for boats to exist in a permitted spot, as long as standards are established and required to be met by responsible boat owners. “Whether it’s Beach Access 8, or maybe Beach Access 7, there’s room to do this,” Burns said. “I would love to have them
remain part of the beach, part of the community. They’re beautiful. And sailing is such a great thing to be able to share with our neighbors.” The April 26 commission meeting was the last opportunity for public input on the matter, and Bruneau was encouraging residents to address the board in hopes of a solution. If the county stays with its plan to begin removal, nearby beachfront homeowner Mike Cosentino – a known activist regarding beach matters – thinks it will be an overreach. “The decision appears to conflict with Florida’s 1972 landmark Supreme Court decision regarding ‘customary use’ of our beaches but is consistent with the county’s bullying and trampling of the voters’ wishes and rights,” said Cosentino, who is running for one of the county commission seats.
Spa Experience Siesta Key
Maintain that Youthful Look with Microcurrent Treatments Microcurrent Facials are a powerful anti-aging treatment that tightens and tones facial muscles and stimulates the lymph and blood flow to the face and neck, restoring suppleness and a youthful glow while tightening the facial muscles. This machine based treatment sends electrical impulses of very low voltage but high frequency through the skin resulting in a more youthful appearance. Crow’s feet begin to disappear, eyebrows lift, and cheekbones are more defined. Clients normally fall asleep during the facial as it is extremely relaxing and painless. There is no downtime and clients may go outside with no concerns after treatments. Spa Director, Connie Lewis has been performing micro-current facials since 2005 after learning the technology during her studies at Fashion Focus Academy where she earned her Facial Specialist Certification. “I was so ‘wowed’ by the results I personally experienced on my own face I immediately acquired the machine right out of school,” says Lewis. Results of the treatments are cumulative and the best visible results are after a series of 5- 10 treatments then monthly or weekly treatments are recommended depending on skin condition and desired result. The system is completely safe and treatment is non-invasive. The current is extremely low, less than the output of a pacemaker. The system operates on a per-programmed setting and contains calibrated internal data monitoring and resistance meters. This allows full comfort to the client as well as optimal performance and results for the operator.
Microcurrent treatments are usually performed within 45-60 minutes, and are usually prescribed in a series of 6 to 12 treatments over a course of 60 days with one to two treatments a week recommended for maximum results. The number of sessions in a series is specific to each client. Once the series is complete, a monthly “booster” treatment is required to maintain results. Our non-invasive treatment usually offers noticeable results even after just one session and effectively gives you the benefit of a nonsurgical alternative to a facelift. Like exercise for the other parts of the body, the facial muscles need a regular workout to achieve good muscle tone. Muscle reeducation by microcurrent is often referred to as “sculpting” and “lifting.” The lifting and strengthening action have an accumulative effect on the face with each systematic series of treatments, increasing the holding action of the muscles. Through repeated sessions, facial muscles will hold their tone. Just like the stomach muscles will “re-tone” after repeated sessions of sit-ups. During the initial program, we recommend one to two visits a week with the total number depending on the individual needs. A typical course of treatment will range from six to twelve sessions. And after that a visit once a month is usually all that is required to maintain good facial muscle tone and youthful appearance. When you stop exercising the body, over a period of time the muscle will lose their increased tone and return to a more flaccid state. The same is true for the face. It will not suddenly “fall,” but overtime will begin to resume its normal aging process.
Most individuals will see immediate changes in facial contour after the first treatment. Your skin specialist can lift half of your face to show you the difference compared to the other side. But the improvement is increasingly obvious over a period of time with the series of sessions. Results depend significantly on the individual’s age and lifestyle. What can microcurrent do for you? Originally developed for treating facial palsy, microcurrent in the esthetic realm can: • Re-educate muscles • Increase blood and lymph circulation • Enhance the penetration of the active ingredients of skin care formulations • Increase the production of collagen and elastin • Increase protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis and cell membrane transport. Additionally, research has shown that microcurrent may help with anti-aging at an even deeper level. In 1982, researcher Ngok Cheng led a study that provided hard evidence of microcurrent’s role in cellular vitality by proving that microcurrent increased levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in lab-rat skin cells by 500 percent. ATP is the fuel a cell needs to function. Actually, ATP is a really big deal as it is the energy that fuels all biochemical functions in the body. It boosts protein synthesis, necessary for tissue repair. If you are interested in seeing the results on yourself, you can book an appointment online at www.spaexperiencesiestakey.com or by calling 941-349- 4833. Spa Ex per ience Siest a Key i s conveniently located at 5700 Midnight Pass Road, Suite 4B, Siesta key (next door to the fire station).
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Published by 27th State Media LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines. Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of 27th State Media LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements. 27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Siesta Sand to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. 27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.
P.O. BOX 35105, Sarasota, FL 34242 www.siestasand.us
www.siestasand.us
941.312.0665
MAY 2022
27th State Media LLC
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Sunset Beach Resort Siesta Key Dream Inn
To advertise in Siesta Sand, call 941-312-0665
6600 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota
Complimentary shuttle service to and from anywhere on Siesta Key. 7 days a week from 10 AM to 11 PM. (driver tips only)
BestWesternSiestaKey.com 941.924.4900 Still Family Owned and Operated Since 2007 AAA-3 Diamond Property
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday & Saturday 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM Happy Hour 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• 114 Guest Rooms • One and Two Bedroom Suites Now Available • Complimentary breakfast included with every stay • Free Shuttle Service to and from Siesta Key every day. • Microwave/Fridge in every guestroom *Amenities and services may be adjusted due to COVID-19, please contact the hotel or visit our website for details
Open to the public Live music Thursday thru Sunday starting at 4:00 PM (check the schedule on Facebook or call 941-924-4900) *Use of the pool for Registered Guests Only
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Siesta Sand
MAY 2022
941.312.0665
www.siestasand.us
Key Employee Annie Annie is a Sarasota native who has worked at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar for seven years, excelling in several roles, including server, bartender and “keyholder.” She likes working at SKOB because it’s “the best place on the Key” and the “feeling of family” she experiences among her co-workers and patrons. Annie’s favorite SKOB story? “Every day here is my favorite SKOB story,” she said, noting she enjoys meeting new people on each and every shift. “They all are added to the family.” Submitted photos (To nominate a Siesta Key employee worthy of recognition, email: info@27statemedia.com.)
Sun Garden Cafe recognizes the impact that quality workers can have on a business, and is proud to sponsor the Key Employee each month.
Congratulations, Annie! 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.
