Siesta Sand - November 2022

sculptors,

By Hannah Wallace

said secondyear organizer and professional sand sculptor Andy Daily.

Twenty-four total professional, international competitors (eight soloists and eight teams of two)

will have three eight-hour days and one five-hour day to create their sculptures from more than 15 tons of sand piled in their allotted competition space. The 2022 professional contest will be judged by a panel of professors from Ringling College of Art and Design, with winners announced Sunday at 3 p.m. Daily hopes that the distinguished judges help to illustrate the artistic integrity of the event.

“Ringling is one of the most prestigious art schools in the United States,” he said. “Even though (sand sculpting) is temporary, these artists know that their

There goes the

By John Morton

Save Siesta Key is conducting a “straw vote” by mail in hopes of demonstrating that a majority of Siesta Key residents want the opportunity to vote on whether to incorporate the island. In November, a nonbinding ballot will be sent to all registered Siesta Key voters.

Last year, the local Sarasota County Legislative Delegation – which shot down the incorporation effort in a 3-3 tie vote -- strongly encouraged that Save Siesta Key take such a measure to gauge public interest.

“As one member of our delegation put it, ‘If a straw vote indicates an overwhelming majority of Siesta residents want the question of incorporation put on the ballot, how could

we possibly deny you?’” Tim Hensey, Save Siesta Key chairman, said. “The results will give our local delegation evidence that the residents of Siesta Key are serious about preserving the island for generations to come, to share with their fellow senators and representatives in Tallahassee.”

Here is how it will work, according to Hensey:

In the Nov. 14-17 time frame, every registered voter of Siesta Key will receive a straw ballot via first class mail at the address

is...Family

to welcome Simon’s into the fold,” Jerry said. “Jill and I have enjoyed their food and service for years. And now, we get to consider them family.”

Simon’s is a fantastic breakfast and lunch eatery that has options for every taste and dietary preference. Whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, Chef Tyler has mouthwatering dishes that are sure to please. And with Simon’s proximity to Abel’s, it only makes sense to join Jerry at Simon’s

for breakfast or lunch, then swing by for a tasty cup or cone of Abel’s featured fall ice cream flavors - Carrot Cake (You can stop baking, this is the ultimate Carrot Cake recipe… Carrot Cake ice cream with fresh walnuts and a thick ribbon of cream cheese frosting) and Special Praline (Praline pecans & caramel swirled together in smooth Vanilla ice cream).

Simon’s Coffee House is located at 5900 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota in the DeSear’s Plaza. Open Monday through Saturday from 8-3 and Sundays from 9-3. Learn more or order take out online at their website, www.simonstogo.com or connect with them on Facebook or Instagram.

Andy Daily, director of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, displays in the Village one of his creations as this year’s event nears. It’s Nov.

11-14 at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Rd. For tickets, visit siestakeycrystalclassic.com. (submitted photo)

Jenna and Matt Papenfuss enjoy a spectacular sunset off Crescent Beach a few days after Hurricane Ian came through our area. The couple, from St. Paul, Minnesota, were visiting Jenna’s family’s condo. (photo by John Morton)

Simon’s

Greetings from the Gulf

Thanking goodness and more (but not necessarily Father Time)

By John Morton

Ah yes, the Leaf Blower Lullaby. Now that’s how a real Siesta citizen finds peace these days. Blast away and I’m out like a light.

Or, a screaming chainsaw going 12 hours a day? Music to my ears. Encore! Encore!

Remember that outdated notion of falling asleep to the soft, soothing sounds of waves rolling onto shore?

That’s like, so early September of 2022. Get with the times, man.

By the way, doesn’t that feel like forever ago?

Today, give me the ear-splitting violence of a woodchipper set on 11. And this from a man who’s seen Fargo.

But that’s life here, post-Ian. Vegetation debris clean-up comes first. It’s where it’s at. It’s the new big thing, baby.

Now, I’m not one to pile on, but I do think it’s time we branch out. Bundle up. Start raking it in. Stick with it. Go out on a limb. Move at a faster clip. Make like a tree and leave. Call up Twiggy and, well, get twiggy with it.

Get downright trunk.

As for the future of all those fronds on the ground, I suggest we call a palm reader.

Anyway, it’s the time of year for giving thanks and I’ll start by simply saying thank goodness. How can Siesta Key continue to dodge theses catastrophic storms? The idea that it’s got something to do with Indian burial grounds is, well, obviously exactly right. As

someone who would normally scoff at such a thing, I now do hereby embrace such lore and legend. How can I not? I literally thought we were goners.

Chief Nokomis, keep up the great work.

By the way, if you’re an Ian and you’re dating an Irma, no babies please. Ivan the Terrible has been taken.

Speaking of names, you’ll recall we first got nervous a few weeks prior to Ian, when Hurricane Fiona was starting to form. That one ended up picking on Canada instead.

I was thinking of how Fiona McFarland would deal with this situation, had it instead hit our area. I was looking forward to having fun with her on that one.

Of course, such a flippant attitude is easy when you’ve never had a hurricane strike in recorded history. Good luck aside, I hope we’ve all been set straight. Many of you know I used to be the editor of the newspaper on Fort Myers Beach. I lived across the street from the Gulf.

And, sadly, I know several people who died from the force of Ian. They all chose to stay put.

So, as we go through some paces of post-Ian minor inconveniences here, please think of those less fortunate. And many Siestans have. Walk the Village and see all the donation efforts. And, read about Gidget’s owner Barbara on page 10 and how her business friends stepped up.

Meanwhile, the Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites offered discounted rates to residents of Sarasota, Lee, and Charlotte

counties displaced by the hurricane. Mighty kind.

And with that, as Thanksgiving approaches, some more thanks to deserving folks.

I’ll start with Village Cafe employees for giving resident Peri Gruber, who ducked into their place with an armful of groceries during a heavy rain, a ride home.

Yes, we are all-knowing here at Siesta Sand. No good deed goes unpublished!

Then there’s the Siesta Key Association. Some consider some of the civic group’s members a bit too political, but I’d argue they often have to be -- and for good reason. They are our de facto government, because someone has to be. Right?

What they really are, first and foremost, are wonderful watchdogs and stewards.

And they are omnipresent. When a toddler lost his parents on the beach recently, they were on it. A lost pooch found wandering the public lot around the same time? They were playing dog catcher.

For them, it’s not just about fighting the county. It’s literally about everything. Check out a

meeting the first Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Church and you’ll see for yourself.

By the way, this month’s Community Spotlight features one of the group’s standout volunteers. Joyce’s story awaits on page 8.

Next is Mike Cosentino, a subject of this column a few months back that highlighted his unique election campaign.

He lost in the Democratic primary in August, but certainly didn’t toss in the towel on being a community leader. No, he instead doubled down. Resident Greg Anderson reports that Cosentino was the first one on the streets with a chainsaw to clear the way for power restoration.

Then, he caught a boat to hurricane-ravaged Pine Island with fuel, ice, generators, and other critical materials to help an elderly friend and others. He’s literally living in a tent on the lady’s roof.

I’m upset that I didn’t vote for Mike. And I’ve met others who feel the same. He deserved to advance.

But that damn closed primary nonsense in Florida -- where you can only vote within the party you’re registered -- prevented me. I wasn’t willing to change affiliation, even if for five minutes, plus I wanted to vote on the Republican side of things. I should be able to vote on both.

Sure enough, Mike lost by less than 500 votes. Even residents who have clashed with his large personality in the past have told me he was the guy who should have won.

And back to saying thanks, I’m appreciating the idea that Siesta may have its first Sarasota County

commissioner, in the form of Mark Smith, since Nora Patterson reached term limits in 2012.

It was then, Cosentino says, “We fell off the political cliff.”

Prior to Patterson, Jack O’Neil was the last local to serve -- back in the late 1990s during the first uproar regarding the idea of dredging Big Pass.

Next, thanks to the city of Sarasota and the town of Longboat Key, both of whom voted in October to ban beach smoking for Lido and Longboat.

As for Siesta beaches, the county postponed any discussion on the topic. Such a measure won’t likely come until January, the commissioners reported. And so much for my Christmas gift.

And speaking of grinches, finally a thanks-for-nothing to the jerk who keeps posting the Facebook factoid that says we are now closer to 2069 than 1969. I’m told it’s Bryan Adams who is doing it, hoping to drum-up interest in his cheesy “Summer of ‘69” song.

OK, I just made that up. But it’s my party and I’ll lie if I want to.

What’s truly incredible, of course, is how time flies -especially in my business when you are working on things more than a month in advance.

Yes, 2023 looms large on the horizon. Like an eight-story hotel above a sleepy little Village.

Thankfully, we’ll continue to survive all that comes our way. Stay tuned.

As for all the yard mess, stay pruned.

(John Morton is managing editor of Siesta Sand.)

Midnight Pass issue now on county’s radar

Will the ultimate foe nearly 40 years ago become an ally for those who want to see Midnight Pass restored?

That could become the case, as the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 13 voted unanimously to ask its staff to research and report back on the issue that caused the waterway between Siesta Key and Casey Key to close and choke-off Little Sarasota Bay. It’s the county that, in 1983, was persuaded by two homeowners to try and reroute the pass because their swimming pools were in danger of shifting sands. The endeavor did not work.

It was Commissioner Christian Ziegler who suggested the study. He represents District 2, which includes the northern half of Siesta Key. The issue with the pass has been contentious, with previous groups failing to make progress,

By John Morton

and Commissioner Nancy Detert was adamant that the exploration this time around not be about restoring the pass as much as it be about preserving water quality.

“This can’t be an ‘Open Midnight Pass’ statement,” Detert said. “You take away a lot of the fighting and the controversy. I don’t want to go planting my flag on the wrong hill with the wrong opening salvo that’s going to set off a bomb.”

Detert also suggested that the initiative could piggy-back on other area water-quality studies, making it part of a larger picture. She said the non-profit Argus Foundation, which specializes in providing leadership to community issues, addressed the pass with her during a recent discussion.

“They agreed that they’d rather see an overall plan for that area,” Detert said, noting the group may be willing to pay for some

consulting work related to the issue.

A new day, a new approach

Strategic phrasing is indeed important, Ryan Christine told the Siesta Key Association at its Oct. 13 meeting. He’s a member of Midnight Pass Society II, and gave a presentation with fellow members Mike Evanoff and Scott Lewis.

The group originally created an OPEN MIDNIGHT PASS NOW Facebook page, which has 5,000 followers to date, but changed its title to RESTORE MIDNIGHT PASS NOW.

“I think it was the wrong approach, the wrong phrasing,” said Christine when asked why he thought this effort would succeed when others haven’t. “It’s open vs. restore. And that will make

Island Chatter

Tricky curve at Higel/Siesta to receive safety upgrades

The challenging nearly 90-degree curve at the intersection of Higel Avenue and Siesta Drive will receive some safety measures in the near future when Sarasota County public works installs internally illuminated raised pavement markers. The solar-powered devices consist of LEDs visible from 2,000-plus feet.

Up next at the spot are new striping, additional signage, guardrail realignment, and two midblock crosswalks with rapid flashing beacons, the county reported.

On Sept. 19, message boards approaching the curve notified motorists of the project, first slated for Sept. 27 through 30 but postponed due to Hurricane Ian.

The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners in September agreed to take on the project in-house, saving an estimated $100,000, the county reported.

Originally, FDOT was slated to handle it at a cost of $359,138 but in February 2020 the county took control of all Siesta Key roads.

Holiday parade is Nov. 26

The 37th annual Light Up Siesta Village Holiday Parade will be held Saturday, Nov. 26. Festivities start at 5 p.m., beginning at Siesta Center Plaza, 5053 Ocean Blvd.

New this year is the judging and awarding of prizes for parade entries.

To enter, visit siestakeychamber. chambermaster.com/ eventregistration/register/1666.

Next Siesta Key Association meeting is Thursday, Nov. 3

The Siesta Key Association civic group meets the first Thursday of each month. The November meeting will be on the 3rd from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in St. Boniface Church’s community room, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd.

If interested in becoming a member of the Siesta Key Association, email the organization at info@siestakeyassociation.com.

Incorporation team’s

meets with residents

By John Morton

An election is fast approaching, but state Rep. Fiona McFarland took the time to reinforce her support of Save Siesta Key’s incorporation effort.

In turn, island residents behind the effort to become a municipality shared best wishes and, in some cases, financial contributions for McFarland during an Oct. 11 meet-and-greet at the Siesta Key Wine Bar. She’s the incumbent state representative in Florida’s House District 73.

“We need to help Fiona get reelected. She’s a tremendous friend of Siesta Key,” said Tim Hensey, the incorporation team’s chairman. “She’s one of our champions.”

Like last year, when McFarland agreed to sponsor the proposed bill before it was shot down at the local county legislative level, she’ll be planning to wave the flag for it assuming that this time around it will make its way to Tallahassee. All of Siesta Key lies in her district.

“You care about where you live and stand up for it,” McFarland said as she addressed about 30 residents. “You’ve stuck with it and are willing to enter something as nasty as politics.

“I think we’ll have better luck this time. I’m still your champion. Unfortunately, I still have to get re-elected – so there’s that small thing.”

The Save Siesta Key group has not discussed incorporation with her challenger, Democrat Derek Reich.

Two of the no votes from the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation – Tommy Gregory and Will Robinson -- are out of the equation thanks redistricting. But beyond that, what makes McFarland think the odds could be better up in Tallahassee? Both the House and Senate must approve the bill, and then the governor, bringing it to a referendum among registered voters on Siesta Key.

“For starters, it’s now not a new issue,” said McFarland, who said the topic did reach state lawmakers last year despite not being on the table. “These things take time, and sometimes these issues need to be heard more than once before they get it, before it makes sense. Starting a municipality is a huge undertaking, and it’s not taken lightly. Last year it all happened so fast.”

Indeed, a state analysis by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research with concerns about Save Siesta Key’s feasibility study did not make the

rounds until early December. It described several shortcomings, including the proposed .25 mill rate (since doubled) as insufficient. A county vote would come less than a month later, just days before the Florida Legislature was scheduled to begin its 60-day session.

The next session begins in March, 2023 being a non-election year.

“That extra time will help a lot,” McFarland said. “The 60 days are so short. You need to be prepared.

“This time, we’ll be reinforcing the idea. That it’s something worth doing.”

Event host Melanie Dodge, co-owner of the Siesta Key Wine Bar, said she supports both the incorporation effort and McFarland.

“I’m happy to support what’s best for the community, and I think that is what Save Sista Key is doing. I also like what Fiona is doing,” said Dodge, who estimated it’s the sixth civic event she’s hosted this year.

“And I’m open to more,” she added.

State Rep. Fiona McFarland (center) chats with residents at the Siesta Key Wine Bar. (photo by John Morton)

in

retirement, so we did not live here for our first year of

wanted to be near my sister who would be retiring in Holmes Beach, and since

doctorate at the University of Florida

felt a connection to Florida. We explored most of the west coast and settled on Siesta

its laid-back, eclectic

to the beach but with easy access to the mainland.

is still a

though much has changed,

live.

vice-president of the Siesta

Association

25 years with it,

accomplishments and/or

group. During

a couple

for

soon as we bought our Siesta Key home, we joined SKA to stay abreast of important issues impacting the island. One of my first SKA activities was to attend the county commission meeting where they established the Siesta Key Overlay District (SCOD). Being new to the Key and Sarasota zoning issues, I didn’t really comprehend the significance of that action.

Now, I realize it allowed the county to enact regulations on the mainland without impacting our fragile barrier island. And conversely to prescribe special provisions for Siesta Key without impacting the rest of the county. The SCOD provided necessary protections for our island.

When our Big Pass sand was first coveted to renourish Venice beaches, the Save Our Siesta Sand committee of SKA was able to ward off that encroachment. In the recent lust for Big Pass sand to renourish Lido Beach (in an era when sand is so valuable it

is a target of thieves), SKA was able to limit dredging to the Big Pass shoal. Dredging was not allowed deep into sea grass beds of the pass or in the channel immediately adjacent to the north shore of the island. I believe SKA’s efforts limited erosion of our northern island.

Currently the SKA is working to improve Siesta waterways through our Grand Canal Regeneration project. We are seeing significant increases in amount and diversity of juvenile sea life in the canals and in the long term, hope to document improved water quality.

QYou went to UCLA. Who did you meet there who was/became famous?

AMost famous was Lew Alcindor (who would become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

I was at UCLA during its years dominating college basketball. I had a history class with Lew; my nose was even with his belt buckle in the elevator to class.

QAre you involved in any other volunteering endeavors?

AI have been involved in many volunteer activities in Sarasota, from the Audubon Society to the Sarasota County post-disaster response team.

But for me, the most important work is to help children. As a Guardian ad Litem, I could impact a few children’s lives. However, working with Habitat for Humanity has impacted many more children’s lives. When I started volunteering with Habitat, it was for the environment – the local Habitat for Humanity ReStores annually save tons

of items from going into our landfills. Eventually, I realized the more important aspect was raising funds to provide children with a stable home where they can flourish. I am proud to have been a part of starting Sarasota’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore and, when that became a resounding success, I helped start the Manatee Habitat’s restore, where I continue to volunteer today.

Q You’re from Pennsylvania. Your favorite sports team from there?

AThe Pirates. I love baseball. I had pictures of Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax on my bedroom wall when I was in the fourth grade. Little did I know they would follow me to Los Angeles where I would see them in my first baseball game -13 innings of no runs, no hits, no errors.

Joyce Kouba is a Key asset indeed,

being

slightly shorter than Kareem

Left, Joyce Kouba running a Siesta Key Association meeting (photo by John Morton). Above, it’s Joyce and husband, Joe, on the Siesta Key beach with son David a few years back (submitted image).

Barbara Lancer knows all about helping others, and this latest endeavor fits her to the tee.

The owner of Gidget’s Coastal Provisions in the Village, whose history includes being a pharmacist at Davidson Drugs and president of both the local Make-a-Wish Foundation and Boys and Girls Club, sprang into action shortly

By John Morton

after Hurricane Ian devastated Siesta Key’s neighbors to the south.

A T-shirt with the slogan “Stronger than the Storm” with a heart where Siesta Key is located is what came to mind and quickly came to fruition.

“Something just clicked, and within 48 hours we had it done,” Lancer said. “There is such a great

need. I had to act fast.”

And all the proceeds from the sales of the shirts -- a shirt-sleeved one in blue ($20) and a longsleeved one in charcoal gray ($25) -- will go to storm relief through the Sarasota-based Patterson Foundation.

Already, $6,000 has been raised and a second printing of the shirt is taking place. Lancer expects a third.

The goal is $20,000.

“The community has been amazing,” Lancer said of the interest.

She contacted other businesses in the Village to participate, noting that every cent of the sales would be donated. Those who stepped up, and who also sell the shirts at their locale, are Sun Garden Cafe, The Hub Baja Grill, Beach Bazaar, and Daiquiri Deck.

The shirts’ design came from Logan McCleod, a graphic artist whose talents are on display on many items in Gidget’s, and printing was done by Glen Reith from Royal Tees in Sarasota.

Those who can’t pop into any of the businesses can have a shirt shipped. Call Lancer’s store at (941) 343-7646 to make arrangements.

Left, (from left) Melissa Andreychuk, Barbara Lancer, and Nancy Reaville at Gidget’s Coastal Provisions show the shirts created to raise money for victims of Hurricane Ian. Below, a closer view of the design. (photos by John Morton)

Sheriff’s Report

Sept. 13 theft

Victims hired contractor to repair a dock. A contract was signed and the victims provided a deposit of $3,432. The work was scheduled to begin in May 2022 but the contractor has not been back to work on the dock. The contractor provided “excuses” for not starting the repairs and then ultimately ceased all communications with the victim. The victim hired a lawyer to seek recovery of the deposit. A sheriff’s deputy made unsuccessful attempt to contact the contractor.

Sept. 18 theft

Victim was walking on the beach when a suspect approached him and took his hat off his head and ran away. The hat was a multicolored jester’s hat worth approximately $10. The suspect fled into the Siesta Beach parking lot. The victim flagged down a sheriff’s deputy who was able to locate the suspect in the parking lot. The suspect indicated he did it as a joke and returned the hat. The victim chose not to press charges after the suspect apologized for his actions.

Sept. 18 theft

Victim reported he was at a bar in the Village and that between approximately midnight and 1

a.m. an unknown suspect stole his wallet. The wallet was in his pants pocket and he believed that an unknown person pick-pocketed his property.

Sept. 19 theft

Victim reported he was having a deck built of his residence. The wood for the project was stacked next to his driveway. A workman reported to work at 8 a.m. and noticed that six boards were missing from the stack of wood. The victim reported that the wood was there on the previous day at

approximately 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 theft

Complainant was at the beach in the area of Beach Access 2 and was in the water when she noticed a male near her bag on the beach with his hand in her wallet. When the suspect and victim made eye contact the suspect pulled back and lifted the bag in the air momentarily before it fell and then he fled toward Siesta Village. Items stolen from the wallet were a $100 bill, about five $1 bills, and a credit card.

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.

Siesta Key, you have a new grocer

Going with the name Crescent Beach Market, the Andersons enjoy a new challenge and a lot of fate

By John Morton

On paper, Sean and Tana Anderson of Michigan deliver the ideal one-two punch as far as starting their first grocery store is concerned. He spent 16 years within the industry as a Midwest sales manager, and she had a career in industrial design and marketing.

“I know what the numbers should be, she knows what it should look like,” Sean said of their roles and skillsets.

Off paper, they are arguably even more qualified. They have been frequent visitors to Siesta Key and the former Crescent Beach Grocery at 1211 Old Stickney Point Rd. was their place.

“I’ve been coming here since I was 5, visiting my uncle. Every summer, my sister and I would spend several weeks here,” Sean said. “Since then, my family (he and Tana have two daughters) have made this our spot for vacations and Christmases. It’s always been like home. This is where are hearts are.”

And now the rest of them. The family has moved here on a full-time basis.

“We sold everything. We moved the kids. We have both feet in,” Sean said of the endeavor.

Before that, they most recently stayed across the street at the Anchorage condos. It was shortly after former owner Nancy Connelly in April retired and sold the building. The Andersons missed the convenience of what the store offered, just like everyone else. And it got them thinking.

“We too felt the void, so we know what the neighborhood was going through,” Tana said of the store sitting vacant. “Some nights, you just need that quick, easy bottle of wine. That’s what we were used to having.”

Meanwhile, when word spread up to them in Michigan about the store’s availability, the Andersons became even more intrigued.

“It’s always been a dream of mine,” Tana said of operating a boutique, upscale market. “This was our chance.”

Sean, who was almost too close to the rigors of such an undertaking considering his job, needed a bit of convincing. “I joked for years that I’d never buy a grocery store. Then again, I never thought I’d eat Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, or blueberries. But Tana convinced me to try them and now I eat them all the time,” he said with a laugh.

If Sean was going to bend on the idea, it would be for

something small and independent.

“I’ve always kind of rooted for the mom-and-pop operations. The little guy,” he said. “Those were the clients I enjoyed the most.”

The work begins

There’s nothing small about the task ahead, of course. The business has been gutted and the Andersons are working around the clock to give it a fresh, modern look.

“Everything is getting touched,” Tana said of the remodel.

The cumbersome columns that broke up the store’s space will be removed, new tile flooring will go in, lighting will be updated, the bathrooms will receive a major upgrade, and an employee break room will be constructed.

As they toil away, seldom does a minute go where some curious customers-in-waiting don’t peer on in.

“I feel so bad – I want to invite them in and talk,” Tana said, “but we have a lot do and we want to get everything just right. You can tell a lot of people are anxious for us to open.”

As for the building itself, it’s structurally solid. “The bones

are good,” Sean said. “It just needs a fresh look.”

The overhaul will no doubt be appreciated by all. The store originated in the early 1950s and was certainly dated.

“We want the new design to not only impact our customers, but our employees,” Tana said. “We’re excited to start our team and invest in their lives.”

Landlord Chris Brown, who bought the complex in April, plans to improve the exterior in the coming months as well. One casualty of the recent hurricane was the business’ sign in back of it that overlooked the approach to the island coming over the south bridge, so that will need attention.

New ideas

As for customer offerings, the deli will remain but with a new twist centering on pre-packaged “grab and go” items alongside the traditional offerings. Made-to-order coffee, smoothies and juices will also be a focal point.

Shortly after opening, which the Andersons project will be before 2022 ends, online orders and deliveries will also be in play.

Much of that strategy is vacationer-friendly, but the Andersons emphasize that the store will carry traditional every-day staples and brands that may better suit the island’s full-time residents.

“You still need to stock Cheerios,” Sean said.

Added Tana, “Between the tourists and locals, we’ll find the right mix. That will be a key to our success.”

Meanwhile, they can’t say enough about the state-of-theart walk-in beer cave, that they are having designed by Sarasota-based Styleline. The company specializes in glass door systems.

“(Up in Michigan) we saw some amazing beer caves at some gas stations and I did some research. I couldn’t believe it – they were made by a company right here in Sarasota,” Tana said. “Needless to say, we called them.”

An emphasis will also be on products from local growers, suppliers and vendors, the couple said, and healthy, glutenfree options will also be plentiful. One of the couple’s daughters has celiac disease, so they know and appreciate the challenges connected with that.

Sean and Tana Anderson, outside their new business. (photo by John Morton)

Soaked, shaken, but spared

Deadly Category 4 Hurricane Ian clobbers neighbors to the south, while Siesta Key avoids major issues once again

By John Morton

S

ignificant, life-altering damage occurred as nearby as Venice, but Siesta Key remained mostly unscathed during the terrifying six hours of Sept. 28’s massive Hurricane Ian.

And to think the evening before the storm hit, Sarasota was projected as the spot for landfall of a Category 4 storm that resulted in more than 100 deaths in Florida. Winds were sustained in some areas at 150 mph with gusts reaching 195 mph. Storm surge reached levels as high as 12 feet.

In Sarasota County, three deaths were attributed to the storm. Property damage in the county has been estimated at more than $100 million.

Regarding rainfall, Nokomis saw the county’s highest amount at 14.2 inches.

The near miss by Ian keeps alive Siesta Key’s incredibly good fortune of never having received a direct hurricane hit in recorded history.

Locally on the island, a few cases of structural damage were reported. The most notable was probably the downed awning at the Beach Club in the Village, considering its high-profile location.

Downed trees and fences were the most common scenario. Large piles of vegetation debris dotted the island every few hundred feet, with county clean-up efforts commencing Oct. 6. No specific date has been established as to when Siesta Key would see removal begin, but it’s projected that it could take as many as six months to clear the county’s streets.

Areas in the south part of Sarasota County were not so lucky, as North Port

and Englewood were hit hard. Many businesses in the Village quickly established donation efforts to help aid those in need.

“How heartbreaking it is to see our community grapple with the challenges of flooding, lack of power, lack of food and so much more,”

Alan Maio, chairman of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners said. “There are parts of Sarasota County that are difficult to identify following Hurricane Ian.”

A few cancellations and/or postponements on Siesta Key followed, including the volleyball event that was slated for Oct. 8 and 9 on Siesta Beach.

By Monday, Oct. 3, most of Siesta Key had power and water restored. At one point, about half of the county’s residents were without power.

The north end of the Key was the first to regain power as early as Friday night, Sept. 30. The south end was mostly in the black for the entire weekend.

By Tuesday, Oct. 4, most Siesta Key businesses had reopened.

“We all feel very fortunate that Siesta Key did not sustain severe damage and happy to report that the Key is open for business,” said Ann Frescura, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, on Oct. 7.

“We admire and appreciate the community

spirit, teamwork and generosity demonstrated by residents and businesses alike in support of neighboring communities to the south.

“The chamber is here to serve our members and our community. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance.”

Here’s a general timeline of events that impacted the island:

Monday, Sept. 26:

Late in the afternoon, a mandatory evacuation of Zone A on Sarasota County’s map is issued, home to all barrier islands. The order also includes those living along the Intracoastal Waterway, on boats, and in mobile homes. The county also advises Siesta Key residents that day that water service would be shut off starting between 5 and 7 p.m. the following day as a means to limit the risk of contaminating the system in case of flooding.

Those who choose to stay put are warned of the risk that emergency personnel may not be able to reach them if winds reach 45 mph -- the threshold where they halt lifesaving operations.

The county also announces that the Turtle Beach campground would be closed and unavailable effective immediately through Sept. 30. The county’s specialty parks, recreation centers, nature centers, and park

restroom facilities are also closed.

Tuesday, Sept. 27:

The evacuation order in the early afternoon is expanded to include Zone B, which encompassed most property along U.S. 41 and slightly inland from there.

Beginning at 11 a.m., Siesta Beach becomes a transportation rally center where residents can be bussed to evacuation shelters.

At about 8 p.m., law enforcement closes Siesta Key’s two access bridges.

Wednesday, Sept. 28:

At about 2 p.m., Sarasota County notifies residents that winds have reached 45 mph and rescue services are suspended. Those staying are encouraged to now “shelter in place.”

Around the same time, the storm surge from the hurricane’s southern rotation slams Naples and then destroys Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island. Landfall officially takes place at Cayo Costa State Park, near Captiva, at 3:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29:

Around 2 a.m., county emergency personnel resume response activities.

In mid-morning, Siesta’s bridges are reopened to only residents and business owners. By 1 p.m., they are open to all.

However, traffic lights at U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road are out, as are those on the Key.

Water service is re-established in the area – although many here would not have it working for days – with a boil advisory issued through 1 p.m. Saturday.

The

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 madefrom-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 TheronCuna 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.

Pumpkin flavor for Halloween and Thanksgiving and Dracula’s Blood Cocktail, just two of the 48 delicious flavors of gelato availab le at Made In Rome Organic Gelato.

Dracula’s blood cocktail

Special pups in search of special people

By John Morton

Siesta

of employees up

Palmetto to meet several of

at the organization’s compound.

“We were looking for a charity that aligned with our same morals, goals and culture and we found it with the guide dog program. So, we wanted to see the background of it all in person so we could properly promote it and talk from experience,” Amber Halt, the Daiquiri Deck marketing director, said. “We had a great time visiting them.”

Dog month in September by establishing a “round-up” fundraiser where it asked patrons to round up their bill with the extra money going to the Southeastern Guide Dogs. The goal was $50,000, with all five Daiquiri Deck locations participating. Two of them are on Siesta Key – one in the Village and one near the south bridge.

Then, the dogs returned the favor by visiting Daiquiri Deck’s Stickney Point Road location on Sept. 24 to show off several puppies and promote the need for volunteers to help raise them. The dogs strolled around the restaurant’s outdoor patio area, enjoying the soft artificial grass.

Above, a group of guide dogs and their handlers gathered at the Daiquiri Deck’s south location on Siesta Key for some interaction with the community. Below, Trish Gorry with Sophia, a guide dog ambassador with Southeastern Guide Dogs. (photos by John Morton)

With a meaningful meet-andgreet behind it, the business helped celebrate National Guide

Dear Friends and Customers, Thanksgiving is not just one day a year. To me, it is each and every day, as there is always a time to be thankful.

Just like how it is never too late to say Thank You for your everlasting friendships and business. May our past times together be a harbinger of what is to come in the new year, along with the friendships we continue to cherish.

As you gather with loved ones and give thanks this holiday season, please remember those who are still looking for the day when they too can say Thank You.

Sincerely, Peg

Our hearts are with all Floridians who have been

by the catastrophic damage of Hurricane

YOUR HOME IS

REAL ESTATE ON SIESTA KEY SINCE 2006.

If you’re thinking of selling or buying, the time is now - 941.356.4552.

Peg Davant

941.356.4552

Peg.Davant@PremierSIR.com

PegDavant.com

Guest editorials: Views on incorporation

Setting the incorporation record straight

By Jodie Tierney

T here have been many letters, editorials, news articles and social media posts about the incorporation initiative. Some have an excellent grasp of the facts, while others are riddled with inconsistencies and inaccuracies. I want to provide a factual update and dispel rumors.

It has been said the community doesn’t support this effort. In my 30 years of political campaigning and grassroots efforts, I have never seen a community so engaged and eager to succeed. This community wants its voice to be heard. More than 2,300 of the registered voters on Siesta Key have signed a petition in favor of voting on incorporation –that’s beyond 35%.

To put that in perspective, less than 20% of the Siesta Key voters took part in the August primaries.

Save Siesta Key is not anti-development. We favor responsible development done with a holistic approach to the Island’s natural beauty, environment, culture, safety, and traffic flow. This means adherence to proven barrier-island land-use policies and zoning regulations that encourage thoughtful economic growth and development.

Siesta Key has been enjoyed by families for generations. I want it to continue to be a place to raise a family, retire, and vacation -- and most importantly a place where our Sarasota County neighbors can easily cross the bridge for a day at the beach and enjoy our local businesses and restaurants for many generations to come.

Save Siesta Key has laid the groundwork for a successful 2022 and 2023 incorporation effort. We have met with all of our local delegation members and are very close to confirming we will have a majority vote in January of 2023. Both the Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota County Fire Department will continue to protect the Key for the same amount of money we already pay to the county in taxes.

The feasibility study and charter have been professionally revised and submitted. The study explains how the proposed town can be created and funded at the very low ad valorem property tax rate of 0.5 mills. This millage would be in addition to the current Sarasota County tax

assessment. For the average residential property on Siesta Key, valued at $695,469, with a $50,000 homestead exemption, this added tax would be $323 per year, or 88 cents a day.

The board of Save Siesta Key will not manage the new town. The residents of the town will elect council members, one of whom will serve as the ceremonial mayor. No compensation is provided to council members.

The town will initially have four full-time employees: a town manager, finance director, town clerk, and an administrative assistant. In Year 2, the town will add a town planner and another administrative assistant. The full cost of the town administration, including fringe benefits, before the town contracts for code enforcement, is projected as $1,909,983 in Year 2.

The town will use excess funds, projected to be $2,853,807 after five years, to make infrastructure improvements through interlocal agreements with Sarasota County or by bidding projects itself. Envisioned public works projects are expected to include:

• Comprehensive traffic study

• Streetscape beautification and signage at north and south bridges

• Bike-lane improvements on all major byways

• Pedestrian safety enhancement at the Stickney Point intersection, including pedestrianactivated flashing lights

• Water-quality improvement in canals

• Environmental improvements

• Storm preparation and clean-up

The proximity of the proposed town to the city of Sarasota was discussed at the delegation meeting in January. It was said state laws would prevent formation of a city within 2 miles of an adjacent municipal entity. This was grossly MISREPRESENTED. Like other incorporated municipalities, including Longboat Key, the town of Siesta Key will need to request a waiver of the requirement for 2 miles of separation from an existing municipality.

I believe elected residents of the town of Siesta Key will be more invested in preserving and enhancing our beautiful island. Most importantly, Siesta Key residents deserve the opportunity to vote on this important issue.

Better county relations a better plan for SK

By Gary Kompothecras

Is the answer to Siesta Key’s perceived problems really incorporation?

Do we honestly think another layer of government, with another layer of taxation, will decrease the number of folks trying to get to the beach? Or the number wanting to visit Siesta Village or the south bridge area?

Kompothecras

Are our roads so bad that we need to pay more taxes than we already pay to upgrade them?

To quote a 1991 article in the former Pelican Press, “Basically, Siesta Key residents seem to agree they would like to see things stay as they are, but there is disagreement over just how to do that.”

Of course, the “as they are” is a constantly moving target. Things are certainly different in 2022 than they were in 1991. Our concerns are different now (nobody even thought of “hotel houses”) and “as they are” is sure different from what it was 30 years ago.

There is, however, one constant -everybody wants the Siesta Key they discovered when they first got here, whether it was 1991 or 2021. It’s an impossibility. Of course, things will continue to change and our key will continue evolve and we will adjust and deal with it as best we can.

But, of one thing you can be sure, folks will continue to come to Siesta Key, as they have for decades.

Most of the complaints currently being touted as the reasons to incorporate are growing pains felt throughout the county -- and throughout the state, for that matter. More folks coming here, just like we came, and for the same reasons. It’s really nice here, even with all of our problems.

Perhaps most -- at least the most serious -- of our problems could likely

be addressed by cultivating a better relationship with our existing county government. Perhaps the calling of our elected officials as crooks and puppets doesn’t endear us to them. Perhaps constantly crowing that Siesta Key is the “cash cow” of the county, and claiming we deserve more attention than the rest of the citizens of Sarasota County, doesn’t engender a feeling of warmth toward Siesta Key. Could we maybe stop with the “we’re special” attitude and try to treat county officials with courtesy and basic civility?

If you still think incorporating is the answer to growth, perhaps you should have taken a run down to the town Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island in Lee County prior to hurricane Ian in September. Its residents had incorporated for many of those same reasons back in 1995, after several failed attempts. Today, the tax rate on Fort Myers Beach is .99 mills, twice the rate proposed by Siesta Key incorporation proponents. The traffic was as bad as ours. Commercial uses, bars, restaurants, etc. were in abundance and the most insidious blight of all, the Airbnb properties, had proliferated throughout the island.

All of this despite their wellintentioned incorporation back in 1995.

Over the years their little town government grew as it responded to every perceived threat along the way. Take a look at its website of government services and advisory boards and committees to see how government creep works. A prime example of bureaucracy at its finest: fortmyersbeachfl.gov/27/About-FMB.

Now, with the devastation of Ian, it is a different scenario and Lee County is their lifeline.

One thing we’d best all remember: Incorporation is forever -- there is no practical turning back. Once done, you live with the consequences.

(Dr. Gary Kompothecras is a longtime Siesta Key resident and business owner.)

(Jodie Tierney is a member of the board of directors of Save Siesta Key.)

Tierney

via TripAdvisor (April 2022)

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN THE SARASOTA AREA BY FAR!

FRESH, FLAVORFUL, PERFECTLY PREPARED FOOD. BE BACK NEXT YEAR!

“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.”

The fun before the storm

Just a few hours before Siesta Key residents were instructed to evacuate because of the approaching hurricane, a group of friends from Kansas City, Missouri, enjoyed one last float in the Gulf of Mexico off Crescent Beach. They take a trip together somewhere in America each fall, and this year they chose Siesta Key because of all the great reviews. (photo by John Morton)

Is a donor-advised fund right for you?

You can find many ways to support charitable organizations. One method that’s gained popularity over the past few years is called a donor-advised fund. Should you consider it?

The answer depends on your individual situation, because donor-advised funds are not appropriate for everyone. However, if you’re in a position to make larger charitable gifts, you might at least want to see what this strategy has to offer.

Here’s how it works:

Contribute to the fund

You can contribute to your donor-advised fund with cash or marketable securities, which are assets that can be converted to cash quickly. If your contribution is tax deductible, you’ll get the deduction in the year you make the contribution to the fund. Of course, these contributions are still subject to IRS limits on charitable tax deductions and whether you itemize your deductions. If you typically don’t give enough each year to itemize and plan on making consistent charitable

contributions, you could consider combining multiple years’ worth of planned giving into a single donoradvised fund contribution, and claim a larger deduction in that year. This move may be especially impactful if you have years with a higher amount of income, with an accompanying higher tax rate. If you contribute marketable securities, like stocks and bonds, into the fund, a subsequent sale of

the securities avoids capital gains taxes, maximizing the impact of your contribution.

Choose an investment

Typically, donor-advised funds offer several professionally managed diversified portfolios where you can place your contributions. You’ll want to consider the level of investment risk to which your fund may be exposed. And assuming all requirements are met, any investment growth is not taxable to you, the donor-advised fund or the charity that ultimately receives the grant, making your charitable gift go even further.

Choose the charities

You can choose grants for the IRS-approved charities that you want to support. You decide when you want the money donated and how it should be granted. You’re generally free to choose as many IRS-approved charitable organizations as you like. And the tax reporting is relatively easy — you don’t have to keep track of receipts from every charity

you support. Instead, you can just keep the receipts from your contributions to the fund. Although donor-advised funds clearly offer some benefits, there are important trade-offs to consider. For one thing, your contributions are irrevocable, which means once you put the money in the fund, you cannot access it for any reason other than charitable giving. And the investments you choose within your fund will carry some risk, as is true of all investments.

Also, donor-advised funds do have investment management fees and other costs. So, consider the impacts of these fees when deciding how you want to give.

In any case, you should consult with your tax and financial professionals before opening a donor-advised fund. And if the fund becomes part of your estate plans, you’ll also want to work with your legal advisor. But give this philanthropic tool some thought — it can help you do some good while also potentially benefiting your own long-term financial strategy.

Joe St. Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments

5011 Ocean Blvd., suite 205 Siesta Key, FL 34242 (941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile

Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones. Member SIPC. -- Advertorial --

Sarasota Local Brings Experience & Trust to Siesta Key

By Jane Bartnett

holds a degree in

State,

really enjoying his second

not looking back.

Siesta Key’s only wave

business has been a part of the island’s waterfront community since 2006.

Families, friends, couples and individuals, and groups come to this welcoming place to get out on the water, zip around in a wave runner and have a really good time as they enjoy Siesta Key’s and Sarasota’s natural beauty.

“We’ve had corporate and wedding groups, bachelor parties, all kinds of gatherings,” Longenbach said. “We can rent up to 15 wave runners at a time.”

Rentals are available on an hourly basis, charged for each wave runner. Rates are:

1 hour, $119; 1½ hours $179; 2 hours $219; 3 hours $ 309; and 4 hours $399.

As the busy winter season begins, reservations are highly

recommended. A valid photo ID and a $300 security deposit on a major credit card for every watercraft is required. Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are accepted for payment.

Many people choose to go out and explore the Intracoastal Waterway for an hour or two by themselves, Longenbach said. An hour-long rental allows for a leisurely ride south as far as the Casey Key Fish House and back. A longer 1½-hour ride, or a two-hour rental, gives riders time to head out into Sarasota Bay.

If hanging out on a sandbar to swim, picnic and relax is on the agenda, and for adventurers who want to travel further into the Gulf, a three- or four-hour rental is the way to go. “It’s enough time to go as far as north as Lido Key or up to Holmes Beach,” Longenbach said.

Once out on the water, if needed, drivers can reach the office by cell phone. “The cell service is up to 9 miles out and there’s a dry storage box onboard each wave runner to stash a cell phone,” Longenbach said.

Info

Island

Pass Rd. (precincts 411 and 421), or Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Ave. (precincts 401 and 403).

McFarland is being challenged by Democrat Derek Reich.

To find the location of your polling place and for more information, visit sarasotavotes.com.

Early

Siesta

St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight

The two seats being contested on the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners both involve Siesta Key. In District 2, which includes the northern half of the island, Democrat Fredd Atkins faces Republican Mark Smith. Smith is a Siesta Key resident.

In District 4, which includes the southern half of the island, Democrat Daniel Kuether faces Republican Joe Neunder.

A state House race also impacts Siesta Key, as incumbent Republican state Rep. Fiona

Red tide at Turtle Beach

Siesta Key’s Turtle Beach was one of eight Sarasota County beaches to possess elevated levels of red tide, an Oct. 17 water test indicated. Siesta Beach had not been impacted as of the deadline for Siesta Sand.

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County posted warning signage Oct. 20 at the beaches to advise the public that red tide is present.

The beaches affected are: Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty, Venice Beach, Service Club Park, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Beach, and Caspersen Beach.

Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or at info@cbsoutfitters.com

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! Birds of this size need a nest that is equal to the task. Ospreys build platform nests of sticks and branches in treetops, cliffs, or even on manmade structures like antennas and bridges. Nest elevation combined with the open space around it affords safety from

ground predators like raccoons. The unobstructed platform gives these majestic birds an easy approach and landing.

Tree bark, sod, grasses and vines lining the nest’s interior make it a cozy home for the next brood of chicks. Since multiple generations often reuse the platform, some nests may grow to over a foot deep and 3 to 6 feet in diameter — large enough for a human to sit in!

As Thanksgiving draws near, this osprey pair extend their warmest holiday wishes from their nest to yours.

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards are available at BLVD Beachwear, 5239 Ocean Blvd., and Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique,

Blooming this month: Hibiscus

The hibiscus, which loves the Florida climate, is a popular flower here. Although most are red, the colors actually range from white through pink, yellow, orange, lavender, and even blue. They all have five large petals, and some exotic ones are beautifully ruffled.

It’s part of the Malvaceae family.

It likes some fertilizer twice a year and plenty of water. Since it blooms on new growth, you can encourage blooms by pruning branches back to the first joint occasionally.

Not only is it not a toxic plant, but

hibiscus tea is popular around the world.

Individual flowers are fun to use in many ways. The interesting thing is that they do not have to be put in water, and they will last many hours or a full day. You can wear them in your hair, place them around your dining table, or decorate a Christmas tree.

Hibiscus is currently blooming at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota.

Submitted by Jan Johannesen, Sarasota Garden Club member,

Osprey (fish hawk) Pandion haliaetus

LIQUOR STORES

Crescent Club B-3 #13

Siesta

MAILING & SHIPPING

Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar B-3

Clayton’s Siesta Grille B-3

C-3 #17

C-3 #14

US Post Office Sub Station C-3 #14

MARKETS

7-11

C-3 #16

Big Water Fish Market C-3 #17

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

Big Water Fish Market C-3 #17

Boatyard Waterfront

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

Save Siesta Key straw vote

which receive all vote-by-mail ballots.

Prior to receiving the straw ballot, each registered voter will receive a post card letting them know to expect the ballot and a picture of the envelope, so that it is not mistaken as “junk mail” and discarded.

Straw ballots will be mailed directly to registered voters and include a stamped, first-class selfaddressed envelope to return the ballot.

The ballots will be returned to the law firm of Persson, Cohen,

Midnight Pass

a difference in the permitting process.”

Added Lewis, “When we first used the word ‘open,’ some people thought we were trying to create a new eco system. we just want it back the way it naturally was. This is a man-made problem we have now.”

The group has raised $50,000 to date, spending about $30,000 on a coastal engineer.

“We still have community interest in this,” Lewis said. “It’s a legacy issue. The time is right now.”

Catherine Luckner, president of the Siesta Key Association, agreed that the timing is good.

“This is different now,” she said.

“Water quality is so important.”

Evanoff, who owns Evie’s at Spanish Point on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey, has seen firsthand the results of the bay becoming stagnant. With the pass closed up, the stretch of beach without an inlet goes from Big Pass, north of Siesta key, all the way down to Venice.

Mooney, Fernandez, & Jackson in Lakewood Ranch, whose representatives will tally the votes.

“We are taking this extra step to ensure there is no accusation of fraud or misconstrued results,” Hensey said.

Ballots must be returned no later than Dec. 17.

The results of the straw vote will be made public on the incorporation team’s website (SaveSiestaKey.org) and shared with the press as soon as available, Hensey said.

“As a clarification, the straw vote

is not an official vote. The results will be used to demonstrate that a majority of Siesta Key residents desire an official vote in 2023 on the incorporation of Siesta Key,” he added.

The next official step is a majority (three out of four) vote from the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation, which must deliver a yes vote to introduce the incorporation of Siesta Key as draft bill, in January of 2023, for the spring session. If approved, the bill will be voted on by the entire House of Representatives and the

Senate. The governor also needs to approve the bill.

As part of the effort to allow the community to decide on incorporating the island, Save Siesta Key submitted a new feasibility study and charter to the Florida Legislature on Aug. 31. These documents are available at SaveSiestaKey.org.

“To stay abreast of all these important developments, plan to attend the Third Thirsty Thursday community gatherings on Nov. 17 and Dec. 15 the at Siesta Beach pavilion,” Hensey said.

Registered voters on Siesta Key will be receiving a mailing around Nov. 14 that looks like this. It’s a ballot.

“The bay is changing for the worse,” he said. “It’s dying.”

Added Christine, “Not only will this bring environmental impacts, but economic benefits.”

Christine also noted that the endeavor was in no way to give local boaters easier access to the Gulf of Mexico, which has been a comment from some opponents.

“It’s not a navigational issue,” he said. “That’s not part of our mission. It’s only about water quality.”

Mark Smith, the Siesta Key resident who is running for the Sarasota County Commission seat held by Ziegler, shared stories at the meeting with Lewis about how he enjoyed swimming in Midnight pass as a child. If elected, he said, the issue would be “one of my prime topics.”

“God willing, we are going to open this pass,” he added.

Lewis called the county’s potential interest a “big step,” especially regarding the

permitting process. The three entities involved with rerouting the pass would be the county, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Evanoff said the FDEP would have final say on a decision.

As for the engineering study, conducted by Dr. Weiqi Lin, it resulted in the following goals as summarized by Midnight Pass Society II:

(1) Design a two-channel pass system that has been the characteristic for Midnight Pass ever since 1927, until it was closed by man in 1983 through dredging north and south channel.

(2) To create an ebb shoal and sand bars to protect Turtle Beach as the Midnight Pass used to have before 1983.

(3) To use dredged beach-quality sand to nourish Turtle Beach and/ or North Casey Key beach. This is a beach restoration as a byproduct of

a re-open of Midnight Pass.

(4) To restore Midnight Pass navigation and recreational uses as it provided before.

(5) Restore water quality to its condition prior to its closure in 1983.

(6) Restore ecosystem to a condition that Midnight Pass used to have.

(7) Restore fishery, marine life, etc. resulting in better Little

Sarasota Bay life conditions by restoring the Little Sarasota Bay and connecting bays with the flow of fresh Gulf waters.

Meanwhile, the group will hold a community meeting that is open to the public at noon on Sunday, Nov. 13 at Evie’s Spanish Point, 135 Bayview Dr., in Osprey. The meeting was first slated for Oct. 15 but was rescheduled due to Hurricane Ian.

Residents study some Midnight Pass-related educational material on display at the Oct. 13 Siesta Key Association meeting. (photo by John Morton)

Guide dogs

It also gave them the chance to socialize with people and introduce them to new sounds and environments, helping them practice their skills.

Ruth Schoch of Osprey was there with Venice, her seventh puppy she has trained to become a guide dog. What has been rewarding about her involvement?

“Well, there’s the unconditional love you get from these dogs,” she said of her experience. “Then there’s knowing what a difference they make in someone’s life when you’re done.”

And she says a puppy raiser is seldom “done” for good. She’s Facebook friends with many of her recipients, seeing her dogs in action through their posts, and Schoch even visited in Connecticut a dog she passed along to someone in need.

“A dog I raised was even placed with a neighbor of mine around the corner,” Schoch said. “So, I get to see him all the time.”

The breeds that are synonymous with becoming guide dogs are golden retrievers, Labradors, standard poodles, German shepherds, and retriever/lab mixes.

“They learn so quickly,” Schoch said of her canine students. “They’re like sponges.”

Trainers receive puppies at eight weeks and attend a weekly class that can be done in-person or remotely. Once the program is completed, they receive their special vest that signifies their role.

“It’s so wonderful to know you’re helping to develop a future hero,” Schoch said.

Beyond the sight-impaired, which is the traditional role, guide dogs also assist/service children’s programs, people with PTSD, Gold Star families (who lost a member during active military service), and

even perform specialty jobs such as sniffing for COVID-19, illegal drugs, and arson.

Trish Gorry is the puppy-raising recruiter for Southeastern Guide Dogs. What kind of person makes a good puppy raiser?

“Someone who’s outgoing and patient,” she said. “You don’t need any experience, just a lot of love and the time to give to the dogs.”

And there’s a need for more people willing to get involved.

“We’ve got 20 to 25 new dogs coming in, so if we can find that number of people we’d be in good shape,” Gorry said.

Another good source of information is Jeanne Heere, a longtime guide dog raiser who sells shell-themed gifts each Sunday morning at the farmers market in the Village with Ted E. Bear, a former guide dog, at her side. She said she’s happy to provide details about the program for those who visit her booth.

Or, visit guidedogs.org.

Above, employees from the Daquiri Deck enjoy their visit at the Southeastern Guide Dogs headquarters in Palmetto. Below, employee Austin sports a fundraiser-themed shirt behind the bar at the Siesta Key south location. (submitted photos)

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

GuideDogs.org/Dark

work is being taken seriously.”

Sculptors might try crafting a piece similar to one they’ve produced at other competitions in the past — “It evolves,” explained Daily — or they might try something entirely new. Either way, the artists will be showing off their creativity as well as their technique, especially when it comes to constructing seemingly impossible designs.

“Emotion, depicting color with just sand through texture, big arches and overhangs,” said Crystal Classic founder Brian Wigelsworth, who returns this year to compete. “That’s our goal, just make the sand do what it’s not supposed to do.”

Depending on each artist’s personality (and how their day is going), visitors will have ample opportunities to interact and ask questions while the artists work. You might even have a chance to influence the final outcome.

“If I look around and see someone else has an amazing piece, it takes the pressure off,” said Daily, who participates in other competitions when he’s not running the Siesta Key event. “That frees me up to talk to people, to get the crowd’s reactions, and to get their opinions on what we should do next.”

In addition to the professional contest, this year’s Crystal Classic again features an amateur competition drawing competitors from around the country. And visitors can participate, too: Newbies of all ages will have two opportunities each day to take part in group lessons right there on the beach, free with admission.

The event’s sand centerpiece, created by Daily and his team and intended

for photo ops with visitors, will be a massive castle. “Probably with dragons,” Daily added.

Similar sand festivals and competitions this year have already proved popular, outdoor post-COVID-19 gatherings for competitors and onlookers alike. October 2022’s Sand Castle Days on South Padre Island, Texas, attracted an estimated 30,000 visitors — and featured Daily among the professional competitors.

Many professional artists jump from festival to festival “like they’re traveling with the circus,” said Daily. “That’s how we all know each other. This summer, we built seven sand sculptures in six different states.”

Wigelsworth and Daily are longtime partners with Siesta’s own Sandventure Crew, which creates sand sculptures around the country for corporate events, weddings, birthday parties and other occasions, in addition to offering private lessons. The company recently expanded to South Carolina, where Wigelsworth aims to establish events and semi-permanent sand-sculpting

destinations in and around Hilton Head, Tybee Island and Myrtle Beach.

“Right now, sand sculpting is going crazy around the world,” said Wigelsworth. “It’s back.”

On the Tuesday after the competition, Crystal Classic organizers raze every sculpture. “It’s like a pop-up city,” said Daily. “We completely level the beach. It’s returned back to its natural, pristine condition like nothing ever happened.”

The demolition is in part a safety measure on behalf of animals and curious children. But it also serves to underscore the ethereal nature of the medium. While some onlookers marvel at the effort given to temporary sculptures, Daily sees sand sculpting as an art form that endlessly offers another chance, and is always inspiring anew.

“That’s what I love about sand still,” Daily added. “It’s a material that costs nothing, on a scale that’s just massive. It’s never-ending. And right when you think it can’t get any better, somebody does something that’s just defying gravity. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of sand.”

Festival facts

Friday, Nov. 11 through Monday, Nov. 14, Siesta Beach

Advance-purchase tickets (day-of price in parentheses):

• Adult: $10 ($12) per day

• Child: (Ages 5 - 17): $5 ($6) per day, must be accompanied by a paying adult

• Military Discount: $8 per day - Active and Retired Military Personnel (Identification required.)

• Senior Discount: (age 65 and up): $8 per day

• 4-Day Value Pass: $30 per adult (available in advance and online only) and $15 for children (ages 5 - 17 if accompanied by a paying adult.)

• Children under 5 are free, must be accompanied by a paying adult.

-- PLEASE PRINT YOUR TICKETS FOR ENTRY --

• 4-Day Value Pass ticket holders need to check in at the check-in kiosk to receive their wristband good for entry all four days of the event.

• Single-day ticket holders will receive a hand stamp for the day they purchased.

Reserved Parking Passes: $50 (online only; while supplies last)

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11, Nov. 13 and Nov. 14; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 12 (featuring lighted sculptures)

Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition: Nov. 12 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (winners announced at 4 p.m.)

Quick Sand Competition: Nov. 11 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 12 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 13 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Sand sculpting demos and lessons: Nov. 11 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. ; Nov. 12 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 13 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.;

Awards ceremony: Nov. 13 at 3 p.m.

Music schedule:

• Nov. 11: Dirty Byrds 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Kettle of Fish 2 to 5 p.m.

• Nov. 12: John Patti Project 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Smudgekitten 2 to 5 p.m.; Fleetwood Max 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• Nov. 13: Chris Otto & the Melody Miners 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tropical Ave 2 to 5 p.m.

• Nov. 14: Out of the Blue SRQ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Bickley Rivera Steel Pan Band 2 to 5 p.m.

Website: SIESTAKEYCRYSTALCLASSIC.COM

Last year’s Crystal Classic participants. (submitted photo)

Wigelsworth

Siesta

“On Watch” -- Lifeguard Cole uses a walkie-talkie to stay in contact with lifeguards on the other three towers while constantly surveying the safety of swimmers on the beach. Though he spent five years lifeguarding on the east coast, Cole related that in the two years he’s been here this is one of the best lifeguard programs and leadership in the country. His favorite music group is Trampled by Turtles.

“Beach Memories“-- First-time visitors Christine of North Carolina and her mom, Martha of Galveston, Texas enjoy browsing through hundreds of awesome Siesta Beach items at one of the two Davidson Drugs stores on the Key. They met here to enjoy a mother-daughter vacation together after Christine’s friend visited here just two months ago and recommended the location.

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

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

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

and nutrition it needs resulting in pain sickness, disease, and premature aging. If the space around the cells is free of congestion and metabolic waste products, the cell can now uptake oxygen and nutrition resulting in less pain sickness, more energy better health, and slower aging physically and mentally.

Incorporating these technologies into her Spa treatments will be an incredible leap forward in assisting clients live a more painfree relaxed life.

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

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

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

Spa Experience Siesta Key is conveniently located near the Siesta Key public beach at 5700 Midnight Pass Road, Suite 4b, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Our phone number is 941-349-4833 and our website is www.SpaExperienceSiestaKey.com

“Raining Siesta Cash“ -- Sharks swim team members Emma, Charley, Jocelyn and Natalie display the cash they raised on Siesta Key to help pay for swim equipment. Emma’s favorite swimming stroke is butterfly, Natalie’s is breaststroke, Charley’s is freestyle and Jocelyn’s is backstroke.

“Siesta Swings” -- Fifth-grader Giselle of Tampa is flying high on the Siesta Beach playground swings. Her family met Giselle’s grandparents there, who are first-time visitors from Louisiana. She loves to play soccer and read and just finished reading Last Kids on Earth.

“Oooh, So Close” -- Vincent of Naples is not quite able to leap high enough as a pass slips through his hands while playing with friends during their family picnic near the Siesta Beach playground. A 10th-grader at Gulf Coast High School, Vincent hopes to attend a northern college after graduation.

Canine

It’s that time of year again. Fall is officially upon us and with it lots of opportunities for food and fun with the family. But it’s important to be sure your pup’s well-being doesn’t get lost during the festivities.

For one, traditional holiday foods generally aren’t healthy for dogs. Plus, with all your additional responsibilities and the (mostly) welcome chaos, properly caring for your pup might take a back seat during the season of celebration.

We’re here to ensure that doesn’t happen. Let’s take a look at steps you can take to help your pup enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.

Unsafe Holiday Foods

When it comes to holiday traditions, emergency visits are an annual thing for many vets and pet hospitals. If you’re looking to avoid a panicked trip to the dog doc, take extra care to not allow your dog to consume anything that may make them sick. Here are a few watchouts.

• Beware of (some) bones – Yep, dogs dig a good bone. However, poultry bones can damage a dog’s digestive tract. Throw those turkey bones in the trash.

• Dial back the trimmings – Turkey skin, trimmings, and gravy are the best, aren’t they? Not for you pup. These rich holiday favorites can inflame your pup’s pancreas, potentially leading to life threatening pancreatitis.

• Don’t pass the sides – Stuffing, casseroles, mashed potatoes, and creamed peas are loaded with seasonings and fat that can also cause doggie digestion issues.

• Stash the sweets – Sugar is often a nono for dogs, and anything containing Xylitol — like many baked goods — can be toxic.

Even if you don’t plan on willingly handing over these goodies, a helpful rule of thumb during the hectic holidays is to keep food out of your dog’s reach. If you’ve got an especially resourceful pup who works the dining room table in search of giving guests, you may want to add separation and extra security with the help of a gate or crate.

Yeah, it sounds like we’re being Debbie Downers. But don’t worry – on the flipside, there are plenty of tasty treats and holiday activities your dog can enjoy safely.

Healthy Holiday Foods — and Fun

As we mentioned, while there are many holiday favorites not fit for dogs, there are

just as many you can happily share.

In general turkey, often the big spread’s main course, is OK for canines. But keep in mind that if the bird has been heavily seasoned or buttered, less is more. White meat or dark? That’s a matter of pup’s preference, of course.

Unlike most other sweet stuff, sweet potatoes are a safe treat and an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Though not as exciting, boiled or baked potatoes offer an excellent alternative.

There are a number of other holiday fruit and vegetable options dogs are welcome to put on their plate. With lots of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, green beans (without butter or spices) are great; high in fiber and vitamins A and C, apples (without the core or seeds) also make a tempting treat; and canned pumpkin (without sugar or pie seasonings) is a favorite that provides plenty of health benefits.

Of course, if you don’t want to feed your pup “people food,” there perfectly safe commercial alternatives designed just for dogs — and ways to keep them busy amidst the madness.

Between football and settling down for dinner, why not mix in a brisk walk? It’ll do both your buddy and your belly wonders. Additionally, a new toy can also help keep your dog occupied and better deal with the

stress of so much activity.

Once it’s time to dine, freezing or spreading something tasty on a lick mat is an inviting way to start a meal—and help pass the time. Next up, Remy’s Kitchen Just Turkey Hearts or Einstein’s Turkey Time treats made with real turkey are wonderful savory snacks. Main course options? Try Hound & Gatos Turkey Wet Entrée or Fromm Turkey & Pumpkin Pate. And if you need a side, Evanger’s Grain-Free Sweet Potato for Dogs & Cats has got you covered.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a holiday without dessert. Products like Boss Dog Pumpkin Yogurt, Einstein’s Pumpkin Pie Treats, or Sammy Snacks with Pumpkin can satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth.

Have a Happy, Healthy Holiday

From dog-friendly meals to dinner table treats, be sure to plan ahead for your pup. The right food and fun can help you, your family, and your dog make the most of the holidays.

Paw Pals

Four-year-old Zeke is a pomsky -- a Pomeranian/husky mix.

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.

from a puppy mill in Ohio where he was locked-up in a basement. and was without any papers or medical records.

was rescued at 4 months

Zeke has had a lot of amazing experiences and adventures, his Siesta Key owners report. He has been on an airplane, he likes to go boating and kayaking, he went to a Tampa Bay Rays game, Key West, the Great Smokey Mountains, Rainbow Springs, Hocking Hills, Ohio, and many other places.

His favorite thing to do on the Key is to stroll around the Village and get pup cups from the ice cream businesses. He also loves to go to the Patriot’s Pier for the military sunset service.

He also will give you a high five (paw style) if you ask him.

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

Meet Siesta Zeke

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

We are fine here, despite snow-crab mystery

The Alaskan snow crab season has come to a mysterious halt for this upcoming crab legs harvest.

Officials investigated the disappearance of an estimated billion crabs and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, for the first time in history, has canceled the winter snow crab season in the Bering Sea due to falling numbers and missing product.

Scientists worry about what that sudden population plunge means for the health of the Arctic ecosystems.

That staggering billion-number of crabs have mysteriously disappeared the last two years, state officials say. That marks a 90% drop in the population. Are we talking missing containers from fishing ports, or did the crabs run up north for colder water?

Fishing should turn on this month. Schools of reds will begin to break up and scatter on shallow flats. There should also be good action with snook and big trout in shallow water. Snook will gorge themselves at night around lighted docks in the Intracoastal Waterway. There should also be good action in the coastal gulf with Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), tripletail and cobia. You might also still find tarpon anywhere from upper Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay to along the beaches.

Spotted seatrout has reopened to harvest in southwest Florida with a threefish-per-person bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15 inches to 19 inches with one allowed per vessel over 19 inches. I feel that it’s important to protect these larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Snook remains closed to harvest in the Charlotte Harbor area. Full regulations and details can be viewed at myfwc.com.

Snook will move from passes and the surf as water temperature cools and days get shorter. They will stage around docks and bridges in the Intracoastal Waterway and along sand bars, potholes and along mangrove shorelines. They may blow up on top water plugs or fly poppers in shallow water early or late in the day. CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms or DOA Shrimp should work well around docks and bridges and on shallow flats. The 4-inch CAL shad tail should work very well on the flats since larger baits will be prevalent there. I like larger flies, like Lefty’s Deceiver and my Grassett Flats Bunny, for snook on the flats for the same reason. Fly anglers should also score with small white flies or Gurglers around lighted docks and bridge fenders. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action.

Tarpon will still be an option this month. I find them in upper Charlotte Harbor this time of year. Look for them feeding in ladyfish schools or rolling in deep water to find them. DOA Baitbusters and Swimming Mullet are my top producing lures for large tarpon. Fly anglers should score with many of the same flies that work for sight casting to them along the beaches. I use 12-weight fly tackle with a floating or clear intermediate sink tip line for large tarpon. You’ll also find juvenile tarpon from 10 to 30 pounds in many creeks and canals. Spin anglers should score with DOA Shrimp or TerrorEyz on snook tackle. Fly anglers can handle the smaller fish on 8- or 9-weight fly rods with sink tip fly lines and a scaled down version of any fly that large tarpon will eat. I’ve also found tarpon feeding in the coastal gulf this time of year. They are usually scattered over a broad area, feeding in bait schools. This “reverse migration” may only last for a short while but it can be really good!

Big schools of reds that are more common in August and September will break up into smaller schools, singles and doubles by the end of the month. As water cools and baitfish school up, reds will feed in shallow water. I like to pole my flats skiff to hunt for reds in shallow water. Focus on baitfish or mullet schools to find reds. CAL jigs with shad tails, including the 4-inch CAL shad tail and DOA Baitbusters are some of my favorite lures to locate reds with. If the tide is very low, weedless-rigged CAL shad tails or DOA Shrimp rigged backwards will work well in the thick turtle grass. Once I’ve located fish, wading is often the best way to approach them when fly fishing. I like a long leader (12 feet) on a floating fly line with a lightly weighted fly with a weed guard, like my Grassett Flats Minnow. When you have good sunlight, you may be able to sight fish them on light colored bottom, like sandbars or potholes. leader (12 feet) on a floating fly line with a lightly weighted fly with a weed guard, like my Grassett Flats Minnow. When you have good sunlight, you may be able to sight fish them on light colored bottom, like sandbars or potholes.

Kid Catch of the Month!

Saltwater

you’d

send it to:

an outing

submit a picture of a

Did they completely cross the border into Russia? Did they walk off the continental shelf on the edge there, over the Bering Sea?

Sounds like questions for William Shatner of the UnXplained.

Regardless of the situation, crab-leg lovers around the world will feel the pinch of the absence of both Alaskan snow crab and king crab legs that have already had to bounce back from a recent border restriction. Hopefully, Canada is not impacted as much by this disappearance in the Bering Sea, as it would definitely provide a more bountiful catch for the USA.

Good thing that in Florida we have our own crabs, a supply that will not be affected by this shortage. The state of the union for Florida stone crab season is strong. We will be eating our precious stone crabs until May while we figure out and correct the mystery of the missing crabs.

-- Scott Dolan

BigWaterFishMarket.com 6641 Midnight Pass Rd.

Dave King with a snook he caught on a fly in Sarasota Bay. (submitted photo)

Big Water Fish Market has plenty of Canadian crab legs available, despite the global mystery regarding the crabs in Alaska. (submitted photo)

African treasures, right here at home

By Jane Bartnett

a store filled with beautiful artistic treasures from 20 to 25 African countries, I learned so much about this land of 53 nations and 800 ethnic groups. Africa, I discovered, is a place that close to a billion people call home. And Nontando is a part of the international fabric that makes Gulf Gate such a special destination.

Owner Gary Stern is a Cape Town, South Africa native who spent his previous career in New York, working as a consultant with Arthur Anderson. In 2003, he and his family left Manhattan behind, and he launched a new career as an importer and owner of his African art store.

Stern found a strong market for these unique pieces. “It’s a niche business,” he noted.

Having just returned from his annual month-long buying trip to Africa in September, he spoke with me about his trip and some of the African artisans that he has

come to know and work with throughout the years.

“I go to the villages and deal directly with the artists,” he said. Many have become his friends and each time that Stern returns he makes new discoveries.

“About 30% of what I bring back is preplanned,” he said. “Each time that I go back, I look for new ideas and new artists. It’s really an adventure.”

As we came to a glass case, Stern removed a small decorative metal and stone piece created by an artist named Spencer, from Harare, Zimbabwe. “Spencer,” said Stern, “is one of the most talented artists you’ll ever meet.” It was Spencer who first discovered Stern through social media two years ago. When Stern saw Spencer’s designs, made from recycled metal, he was captivated. They soon began working together.

This fall, when Stern was in Cape Town, he paid for Spencer to travel to and from Cape Town. Traveling by bus, Spencer made the 1,500-mile journey so that the two could meet in person. Stern also paid for Spencer’s accommodations. It was Spencer’s first trip away from his hometown.

On his journey, Spencer brought many pieces that Stern purchased for Nontando.

“We have a special bond now,” said Stern as he recalled their time together.

Social media, emails and texts, we agreed, will never replace meeting someone in person.

As we walked through the store, Stern explained what the meaning of many of the exquisite and unusual items were. It was a learning experience. When I mentioned that he was a good teacher and suggested he give a class on the art and culture of Africa, he smiled and said that he’s really not much of an extrovert.

Stern stopped at a wall of ceremonial African masks. Some were large and others quite small. Shown together, they made a very dramatic presentation. When I asked about a large mask with a beautiful soft white finish, he explained that it was made by the Punu people of Cameroon, a coastal west-central African nation. The patina, Stern explained, is designed to ward off evil spirits.

PSYCHIC READINGS

Nontando owner Gary Stern displays in his Gulf Gate store a Zulu shield made of South African cowhide. (photo by Jane Bartnett)

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.

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.

Zuzu’s & Moondoggy’s (GG26, GG25) Ready for an evening out? Choose from Zuzu’s -- an exotic Polynesian top shelf cocktail lounge where you can dress to impress and enjoy cocktails with friends, or Moondoggy’s -- a fun surfing-theme atmosphere where you can chill and have fun. Located at 2234-2236 Gulf Gate Drive, Zuzu’s & Moondoggy’s has 13 big screen TV’S, MLB Package, ACC, BIG10, SEC, NFL Package, pool table, SUPER CHEXX BUBBLE HOCKEY and a punching bag!

Zuzu’s is open 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM daily. Moondoggy’s is open 7AM –2:30AM daily.

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

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

Peaceful Retreat - Team building - Company Party for your Team?

Myakka Magic Retreat Opening Jan 2023

Myakka Magic Retreat Opening Jan 2023

Finally a local place to rejuvenate

Finally a local place to rejuvenate : Bone Fire, Digital Detox, Sauna, Salt Bath, Yoga, Reiki, Massage, Sound Bowl, Meditation, Fast or Farm to table delights close to Siesta Key & Myakka! We’re so excited to share it with you soon. Powerful Healers For You.

2106 Bispham Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231

- 818

Love@ObjectsOfMagic.com - 818-793-7834

Arts on the Horizon

Sing for your Supper

The dictionary meaning of the phrase “Sing for your supper” is to do something for someone and get something in return. Ah, but what were its origins? When Cimarosa’s opera

The Secret Marriage (Il matrimonio segreto) was first performed, in 1792, it so enthralled Emperor Leopold II that he ordered dinner for the entire cast and then had them perform the opera, in its entirety, as an encore. Fortunately for the kitchen staff there were only six singers to feed.

The Secret Marriage is, beyond doubt, opera buffa in its purest form. In this comedy, with spritely engaging music, five of the singers are in love -- but they, and sometimes the audience, don’t always know with whom. Some want to get married to people who … well, why not go see a Sarasota Opera production of The Secret Marriage on Oct. 30 or Nov. 8, 10 or 12.

Spoiler alert: The Sarasota Orchestra will be accompanying the singers for these performances, and Victor DeRenzi will conduct.

Has anyone ever lost a cat? Or maybe a baby brother? Or both? One family has, and the baby’s siblings descend into The Secret World of Og to bring them home. It is one thing to steal a few toys or comic books, which might go unnoticed, but stealing a cat -- that’s just too much. Travel with your own children or grandchildren down into this underground den of thieves at the Sarasota Opera House, along with the cast of the Sarasota Youth Opera, on Nov. 5 or 6.

It wouldn’t be December if there weren’t a few productions of The Nutcracker around town. Just to make things easy for you, there will be two different performances at the opera house. On the 3rd, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School will be presenting the classic choreography to Tchaikovsky’s score with costumes and scenery designed especially for the SCBS by Steven Rubin (costumes and scenery for more than 30 plays and ballets around the country).

By Rodger Skidmore

On the 10th, the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet will be performing Ms. Partington’s production of The Nutcracker, which has been a holiday tradition in Sarasota for more than 20 years.

More info for all shows at Sarasotaopera.org.

November is National Fun with Fondue Month

It really is, just Google it. It must also be, at least in Sarasota, National Piano Playing Month, because the Sarasota Orchestra is outdoing itself in the piano department. A Masterworks program is being presented at the Van Wezel on Nov. 4-6 with Joyce Yang performing Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto (it was so good he only needed to write one). During these performances David Alan Miller will also be conducting Quinn Mason’s A Joyous Trilogy, “the very embodiment of happiness and cheerfulness.”

Rounding out these events will be Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. The word fantastique is the French word for fantastic, but is also directly linked to the word fantasy. In Berlioz’s symphony both words are correct, it is a fantastic musical rendering of his reallife fantasy.

Berlioz fell obsessively in love with a Shakespearean actress and his music, in five movements, tells of his self-destructive passion for her and his “dreams, tantrums and moments of tenderness, and visions of suicide and murder, ecstasy and despair.”

He was, and it is, a real piece of work. For a complete description of the actual events portrayed in symphonie fantastique go to pbs.org/keepingscore/berlioz-symphoniefantastique. His art really was a mirror to his life.

On the 13th of the month Orion Weiss and members of the orchestra will be performing two piano based selections. The first is the

Trio Sonata from The Musical Offering by our old friend J. S. Bach, a Baroque masterpiece. This is followed by César Franck’s Piano Quintet. This work is “full of brooding emotional intensity” -- not as much as that of Berlioz’s, but enough to keep you stimulated, and pleased by what you hear.

More info for all at Sarasotaorchestra.org.

A musical fable Guys and Dolls has often been characterized as a musical fable -- and a fable often highlights human follies and weaknesses. That definition hits the nail on the head for this musical. The Damon Runyon stories that brought these characters to life, the Frank Loesser music and lyrics that coached them on how to sing, the Abe Burrows/Jo Swerling book that taught them new tricks, and the direction and choreography laid out by Jim Weaver, etches these con artists, big lugs, do-gooders, and sweet lovelies into unreal people to whom we can, for an hour or so, actually relate. Well, sort of. We can relate to their joyous subterfuge even if we could never sing, dance, or put on the moves the way we see these actors do. The action moves along as these performers keep on keepin’ on. Great show.

Damon Runyon wrote about the high times of these Manhattan lowlifes during the 1930s-40s, hence the backdrop of the Apollo Theatre, the Cotton Club, and the marquee of the 1939-1945 Broadway show Life With Father. Technology brought to life a dozen sets, including the landing of an airplane and mountains and street scenes in Cuba and New York. More info about an entertaining musical at Westcoastblacktheatre.org.

100,000 photos on your smart phone?

If you had that many shots on your phone you’d be really embarrassed, even if they were of your grandchildren. But Selby Gardens is quite proud of that many high-resolution photos of 25,000 different flora (you know, plants, flowers, and stuff) that they maintain in their files. Files which include photographs of over 3,500 orchid species. Their archives also contain 40,000 dried and processed orchid specimens which are used for research and educational purposes.

And, of course, there are those stunning live specimens on display during Orchid Show 2022: Capturing the Perfect Shot, which continues through Dec. 4.

Interesting fact from Angel Lara, VP for Greenhouse Horticulture; When you think of orchids you visualize fantastically shaped flowers, green drooping leaves, and a tangle of roots at the base. Well, you aren’t seeing roots, as the roots are sheathed within what you see. That outer layer is a sponge-like material which holds the rain, or remnants of a morning mist, so that the real roots remain wet enough to continue to nourish the orchid during the heat of the day.

There are tiny orchids the size of the head of a pin, and/or are hundreds of feet up in the canopy of a rain forest, and/or aren’t blooming when the orchid hunters are about -- and yet The Selby has the best scientifically documented collection of livings orchids in the world. Visit Selby Gardens and see them in all their glory.

More info at Selby.org.

Key Chorale honors Jordan

The Key Chorale symphonic chorus has named Daniel Jordan as the recipient of its Perfect Pitch Award for 2022.

Jordan is the concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra and principal second violinist of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. He is also the director of programs for the Artist Series of Sarasota. He was formerly the assistant principal first violinist of the Malaysian Philharmonic and a member of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach.

Jordan has been concertmaster of the Key Chorale orchestra for nearly 20 years.

Perfect Pitch, Key Chorale’s annual luncheon supporting education and community outreach, will be held on 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 Ringling Blvd. The event will include a special performance Jordan. A “paddle raise” will support the Key Chorale Student Scholar Program, created to inspire, coach, and help fund opportunities for high school students interested in careers in the vocal arts. In addition to this fundraising effort, the Student Scholar Program is generously funded in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Guests will be welcomed with a performance by the Key Chorale Chamber.

For more information, or to purchase tickets for the luncheon or any scheduled concerts, visit KeyChorale.org or call (941) 552.8768. Luncheon ticket prices range from $100 for a single ticket, to $1,200 for a table of four, and $5,000 to become a presenting sponsor.

Daniel Jordan is being honored Nov. 7 by Key Chorale. (submitted photo)

www.hotworks.org

Stephanie Linden, Painting

New grocers

“I like the fact I can provide options

people and guide them on what they need,” Tana said of those searching for specialty items. “Most stores don’t do that.”

Sean looks forward to guiding customers in other ways as well, much like Connelly used to do, given his history with the island.

“Sharing suggestions with people on where to go for the best steak, the best oysters, the best this or that,” he said. “That’s what is great about a neighborhood store.”

In fact, Sean said the neighboring businesses are offering support and he hopes to partner with them in a variety of ways. For example, a boating business could sell customized beach baskets for outings, he said as an example, while he promotes that business in return.

“I’ve noticed that in this business community, everyone seems to support one another,” he said. “That’s part of what makes Siesta Key tightknit and special.”

In fact, Connelly is helping with the transition, the Andersons said. Her father started the business, sold it in the 1980s, and then the daughter bought it back in 2003 and ran it the final 19 years.

During that middle stretch of

ownership, it was called Crescent Market. And, in part with a nod to both history and familiarity, the Andersons will be going with a combination of the Crescent Beach Grocery and Crescent Market names -- Crescent Beach Market.

Very similar, but different.

“It represents a restart from a marketing standpoint, which is almost required these days because of internet searches and things like that,” Sean said. “More so, we like the vibe of the word ‘market.’ Market means a gathering place. A friendly place. It is more upscale. ‘Grocery’ sounds like more of a place where you get what you need and check-out.

“That’s not what we plan to be.”

And now that fate seems to be on their side, the Andersons are certain they made the right choice -- despite the pursuit being a daunting one.

“Every time a door closed during this process, another one opened,” Sean said. “It was meant to be. Then came the hurricane. And we were like, ‘This is what is going to keep this from us?’ Are you kidding?’ At that point, we just said ‘All right God, it’s in your hands.’

“And here we are.”

Sean (left) and Tana (below) Anderson move materials and equipment at the new market they plan to open in Siesta Key’s southbridge business district. (photos by John Morton)

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

The following are properties sold on Siesta Key in the last 60 days, providing a snapshot of home values on the Key for both single-family homes and condominiums.

HIGHEST-PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE 3423 LA PALOMA AVE.

$3.555 MILLION

Welcome to the Hideaway, a private island estate sited on two parcels on Bay Island, on the coveted northern tip of Siesta Key. Through the gate, you’ll enter a tropical garden which showcase a sparkling, pool and spa plus the ultimate luxury: a private, professionally designed and built Har-Tru tennis court with underground irrigation. An additional luxury: through a side garden gate, discover the deeded dock with access to the waterfront, which includes a fabulous, oversized, deepsailboat water dock, featuring a 13,000-pound lift. Designed by prominent Sarasota architect, Tim Siebert, this customelevated Key West-style home is part of a small Siebert enclave of homes. An inviting, wraparound porch overlooks the stunning yard, pool and tennis court, beckoning you to relax

in true island style. The living room is anchored by a coral stone fireplace; French doors envelop the great room, allowing abundant natural light to stream in and allow easy access to the expansive decks, and flows easily to the open kitchen which boasts granite countertops, a breakfast bar, natural gas cooktop and planning desk. The main areas boast gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Three guest bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths and laundry room complete the main floor. Upstairs, the owner’s floor offers a private sitting room which leads to the spacious bedroom retreat, luxurious bath and oversized walk-in closet. Impressive storage areas on the ground level allow for an exercise room, playroom or hobby space (not included in living area square footage) and flows outdoors to the covered seating and dining areas, offering shade by the pool and gardens, perfect for alfresco dining.

Courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s

LOWEST-PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

5238 WINDING WAY

$781,000

House abuts the gorgeous Glebe preserve! So, there’s no neighbors on that side of the house, which means complete privacy. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Ground floor with enclosed/ screen lanai, 2 car garage under building, 2 storage rooms with key for bikes, kayak & more; lush native tropical landscape. Second floor with views of the preserve from every room. Open plan with living room, dining room, kitchen and lanai combine, bright and tranquil settings. An amazing huge chef with breakfast

bar and granite counters. 2nd floor has an open lanai with outdoor setting and BBQ grill. Washer/dryer room with washer and dryer in place. 3rd bedroom is also located on 2nd floor with a full bathroom next to it and its own lanai. 3rd floor, one side you will find the 2nd bedroom and its private bathroom. On the opposite side you will find the master suite with its own bathroom with double sinks, huge walking shower, roman tub and a walk-in closet. Backyard big enough to put your own pool or fence it and convert in a grass area for your pets.

Courtesy of Latitudes Real Estate

HIGHEST-PRICED CONDO

650 CALLE DEL OTONU, UNIT C $1.7 MILLION

Partial gulf views from this rarely available, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath beautifully renovated townhouse condominium. Located only a half block from the famous white sands of Siesta Beach and close to Siesta Village’s unique boutiques and restaurants. Enjoy the convenience of condominium living

CONDO

8997

Deluxe bayside 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo in the Sunrise Cove located on Little Sarasota Bay. Enjoy bay views from both the screened/ glassed lanai as well as the bedroom. Sunrise Cove boasts the largest swimming pool on Siesta Key with covered pool house/cabana complete with tables, chairs and restrooms. There is also a smaller pool for your

without a high-rise building; one of four townhomes in the Beach Walk complex, which features lush tropical landscaping, paver walks, drive and heated community pool. Featuring high ceilings, spacious living area, elevator and garage. The perfect island getaway and great rental investment property with a flexible rental policy. Pets are welcome. The condominium is sold turnkey furnished.

Courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s

enjoyment. Play tennis and pickleball on the brand-new courts. There is a new community room, and a new gym and library are being built. Dock your boat year-round for a very small fee. There are bicycle and kayak storage racks available. Monthly rentals are allowed 12 times a year. HOA fees include water, cable TV, internet/wi-fi, trash removal and grounds maintenance.

Courtesy of Keller Williams

Siesta Key CONDO Monthly Update 9/16 to

ACTIVE LISTINGS: 68 actives vs 77 last month. 15 are new listings. 30% priced to 700k, 40% from 700 to 1mil, 30% over 1 mil. 7 have one bdrm, 52 have 2 bdrms and 9 have 3+ bdrms.

DAYS ON M ARKET: 22% have been on for up to 30 days, 42% from 31 to 90 and 35% vs 40% last month for over 90 days. Note the drop in 90+ days is due to 8 listings coming off the market that were on for over 90 days.

PRICE DROPS: There were 34 price drops vs 18 in the previous month. Fully 50% of the actives had a price drop, 9 have had 2 and 4 three or more. Pricing appears to be chasing the market.

PENDINGS: 11 vs 16 listings in the previous month. 2 went pending within a week vs 5 the

Looking

previous month. Four were on the mkt for over 90 days and all had at least one price drop.

SOLDS: 23 vs 31 in the previous month. 40% were in 2 wk or less rental complexes. 14 sold for under 800k, 3 for 800 to 1.2k and 4 over 1.2m. 2 were 1 bdrms, 18 had 2 bdrms and 3 had 3 bdrms.

SUMMARY: IAN most likely accounted for some of the declining numbers. Add in 14 listings that came off the market and we may be seeing sellers resting their listing to get them back to ‘zero days on market’ for the selling season in January.

Bill Burns LEED AP

Call: 941-809-6760

Email: Burns201@verizon.net Website: billsellsfla.com

$259

can be booked

two-hour

the

afternoon. “Each tour is custom

that group. Some people want to look for dolphins, some want to see the coastal homes or bird sanctuaries. We cater to whatever they want. Our guides are very well versed in the area,” the owner said.

Each Siesta Key Jet Ski Yamaha wave runner can carry up to 450 pounds. “For a family, we allow two adults and one child to ride together, as long as the total weight is under 450 pounds,” Longenbach said.

Each driver must have a valid driver’s license and/or a boater safety course license and each person receives a lesson before they head out on the water. No previous experience is needed, but each driver must be 18 years and older. Teens who are 16 and older can drive a wave runner if an adult is on board. Parents of those drivers must be present to sign for

the rental. Florida requires anyone born after January 1, 1988, who is under 21, and at least 16 years of age, to have a Florida Safe Boating Certificate. The test can be taken at the store or online.

Siesta Key Jet Ski can be found at 1250 Stickney Point Rd., inside the Fin Island Co. and below the

Daiquiri Deck. Customer parking is free. The business is open even day of the year, except Christmas Day. For more information, visit siestakeyjetski.com, or call (941) 346-3000, or send an email from the website. Gift certificates are also available.

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unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your

As we continued our tour through the store, Stern explained that different regions of Africa specialize in different items. Baskets in all shapes, sizes and colors come from South Africa and some central African nations.

“I source all of these items from many places and from personal contacts developed over the years,” he said.

Exquisitely hand-carved zebras, giraffes and other native African animals are on display alongside large carved colonial statues from the Ivory Coast, hand-painted ostrich eggs, and colorful textiles.

When a large Zulu shield caught my attention, Stern said that the Zulu make the shields from South African cowhide. Once used in battle, the shields are now displayed at traditional wedding and funeral ceremonies. Stern pointed out that decorators and designers find them of special interest for display in homes and offices.

Stern’s customers are widely varied. Many are visitors and local residents. Designers, collectors and many who find Nontando on social media and the web come to the store or connect online.

He recalled his surprise when Conde Nast called one day. “They found me online,” he said. The publishing company purchased masks and statues from the Bamileke people of Cameroon for display in one of its offices.

“Here’s something that I found on my trip” said Stern as I paused to look at a group of beaded necklaces and other colorful jewelry items. He placed an emerald green malachite necklace from the Congo on his desk. “And here’s a malachite dish and box.” The price was right, and I thought to myself what perfect gifts!

With the holidays on the horizon, Nontando is one of Gulf Gate’s wonders and a fun way to take a trip to these far-off lands without leaving town. Where else can you find such a collection of unusual handmade gifts, collectables, and everyday items for the home ranging from $5 to $1,500 and above?

Nontando, at 6578 Gulf Gate Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call (941) 929-7844 or visit online at nontando.com and on Instagram at: @Nontandoafrica.

All shipping is free.

From upper left and clockwise, an African ostrich egg light, Nontando owner Gary Stern discusses African masks on display, and a handmade African basket. (photos by Jane Bartnett)

Key Employee

Colby

He’s the rental manager at Horizons West on Midnight Pass Road. He’s going on two years in his role, but he’s spent much of his life previously on the grounds thanks to his father serving as property manager for 20 years.

“I pretty much grew up here,” said Colby, who was born in Connecticut but arrived in Sarasota at age 3. “I’m pretty much a Florida cracker. I learned how to drive the golf carts here when I was 5 years old.”

He loves his office job at the condo complex. “We’re one big happy family,” he said. “What ever is going on in life, this place brings us some peace of some sort.”

Photos by John Morton.

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

Congratulations, Colby!

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.