Long road ahead
By Jane Bartnett
Terra Ray, Sarasota County’s Siesta Key resurfacing project manager, addressed the Siesta Key Association’s June meeting and outlined the details regarding what is to come with the $11.36 million, 37.18-lane-mile residential roadway resurfacing program.
Work began in May.
The plan is for resurfacing to start in early August at Higel Avenue near the Out-ofDoor Academy and continue southward on the Key in the months to come.
Officials expect the project to be completed in January.
“The Sarasota County Penny Surtax is funding our project,” said Ray. The streets that were selected for resurfacing were chosen by the Sarasota County Public Works Department.
The majority of Siesta Key residential neighborhood roads that will be resurfaced are clustered on the northern end of the island between Ocean Boulevard and Midnight Pass Road. Many radiate from, or intersect with, Higel Avenue. Ray told the group that North Shell Road, Roberts Point Road and Roberts Point Circle, on the northern end of the island, are scheduled to be resurfaced when other work is done. Roads in the southern end of the island slated for resurfacing are limited to Point of Rocks Road and Point of Rocks Circle, Crescent Street and Dee Place.
The majority of Beach Road, beginning at Midnight Pass Road, will also be resurfaced. Ray reported that the most heavily trafficked section of Beach Road that lies in front of Siesta Beach will receive an extra structural base.
Wayne Bundy proudly takes the lead in Patriots Pier ceremony
By Jane Bartnett
or Wayne Bundy, the daily flag ceremony at Siesta Key’s Patriots Pier has special significance. Each morning as the sun rises and each evening as the sun begins to set, Bundy prepares to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.
The son of a Navy veteran and grandson of an Air Force veteran who served in World War II, the daily ritual is his way of recognizing their contributions and that of all members of the military
past and present.
On a recent warm summer evening, a red and orange glow created a brilliant backdrop for the white sand and the pier. As Bundy readied the music that filled the air, hundreds of local residents, tourists, and those who have come from near and far to pay tribute to a loved one who served their country, gathered.
After welcoming everyone, Bundy explained the military tradition of lowering the flag at sunset. The crowd quieted as Continued on page 20
Our fireworks: a loud and proud history
t started with a war.
Each July 4, thousands gather on Siesta Beach to gasp in delight as 7,500 shells light up the night sky in glorious bursts of color. And well they should: the annual fireworks display is one of the year’s top feelgood moments on the island.
Watching from the beach, it’s too exciting to stop and think about the hard work, the meaning and the history behind it all.
So, let’s do it here and now.
Siesta Key’s fireworks date back 33 years, to 1991. At the time, the closest Fourth of July
By Ned Steele
pyrotechnics were on the Sarasota bayfront. Operation Desert Storm, the first Gulf War, had ended earlier in the year. Veterans were still streaming home as summer approached.
“Patriotism was at an all-time high,” recalled Cheryl Duley, who then operated a family hardware store in the Village and joined the committee that would stage Siesta Key’s show. “We had the veterans coming back and we wanted to do something to honor them and the country.”
fold the flag at the nightly ceremony at Patriots Pier. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)
A “push the plunger” winner puts the Siesta Beach fireworks in motion. (photo courtesy of Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce)
Coming home to Clayton’s
Familiar faces now own and operate the well-established Siesta Key restaurant
By Hannah Wallace
Clayton’s may have new owners, but Randy and Mavis Frey are really just old members of the restaurant’s family. Founder Clayton Thompson officially handed over proprietorship of his namesake company this past May, after nearly 20 years in business.
“We had the opportunity to sell our business to so many other folks. We chose them because of our confidence and trust in them,” said Thompson. “Mavis and Randy worked for us many years ago and we know them personally and we share a faith in God. Mavis was instrumental in helping us manage Clayton’s years ago.”
In fact, the Freys, now married, first met as employees there, when the popular Siesta Key restaurant was still owned by the Mattison’s group.
“I was there for almost nine years,” said Mavis of her first Clayton’s experience. “I started out as the food runner/expo. I was a busser, then hostess, then I moved my way into bartending, and eventually I was a server.”
Later she co-managed the catering operation alongside Amy Tanaka.
Mavis, who has a hospitality degree from her native South Africa, eventually shifted careers to become a preschool teacher. But she and Randy stayed in the Sarasota area, and the hospitality business slowly drew her back. In recent years, she’s been periodically helping out at Clayton’s as a sort of on-call manager. “I stayed in the loop,”
she said.
When Thompson began trying to take a step back from the industry last year, he initially invited the Freys to join him as partners. “And then he came out and said, ‘Just buy it!’” Mavis recalled.
“I told him, ‘I’m sure you’ve got all these other awesome offers,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, but none of them are you. You bring an extra piece to the puzzle.’”
Mavis now serves as general manager, with previous GM
Jacob Butler as her right-hand man.
They hired chef Fenol Marcelin, who most recently worked at Shore on Longboat Key, to ensure that Clayton’s high standards for scratchmade food continue. And while they plan to keep the menu the same for now, Mavis hopes to incorporate some of her South African influences — as well as Marcelin’s French-Haitian background — into specials and perhaps even new menu items
in the future.
For now, Mavis is simply “a working employee,” and is savoring the opportunity to reimmerse herself in the Clayton’s family, including the guests. She makes a point to visit every table while she’s there — five or six days a week — and she loves to ask people where they’re from and spend time with them. “The feedback has been exceptional,” she said, adding with a laugh, “If I drank every glass of wine I got offered, I would not be able to
have those conversations.”
For someone who knew early on that she wanted to go into the hospitality industry, Clayton’s represents the realization of a lifelong dream.
“I’ve always wanted my own restaurant, I knew it was going to happen for me, I just didn’t know when and where and how,” she said. “[Clayton’s] is something I’m familiar with. I know the guests, I know the employees, I know the ins and outs. It’s home.”
Left: Mavis Frey and former owner/founder Clayton Thompson after the paperwork was complete. (Submitted photo). Right: Frey celebrates in front of the Siesta Key establishment she now owns and operates. (Submitted photo)
What’s New on Siesta Key ... By
Jane Bartnett
Lenny’z arrives with plenty of pizzas aimed to please
Lenny’z Pizza & Island Bar is open for business at 6645 Midnight Pass Road in Crescent Plaza. Yes, you saw that correctly -- it’s Lenny’z with a “z.”
This space was once the home of City Pizza before it was rebranded Pizza N’ Brew. It is now Lenny’z, and the new owners have made the space their own. Dan, Theresa and Tori Lennartz are the family members behind the venture. Former Ohio residents, Sarasota is now their home.
After months of renovations, they welcomed patrons for the first time on June 20 for a soft opening. There was a steady stream of patrons, including groups of friends and families with small children. The following day marked the restaurant’s official opening.
Spacious and welcoming, the neighborhood eatery has seating for 130 to 150. Large-screen TVs are mounted on the walls and an ample bar sits at the front of the house.
Lenny’z casual menu has something for just about every taste. But clearly, pizza is the star of the show here. If a whole pie is too much, pizza by the slice is available.
A slice of Sicilian or New Yorkstyle cheese pizza is $4. A slice of pepperoni pizza is $5. By the pie, there are three different styles of pizza from which to choose. They include: Lenny’z Sicilian focaccia-style 12-by-18-inch sheet pan pizza, the round 16-inch New Yorkstyle pizza pie, and the round 12inch cauliflower-crust pizza.
After that decision is made,
customers have another difficult decision: Which of Lenny’z 14 named pizzas should they choose?
A classic cheese pizza can be ordered plain or with one or several of the 13 regular or eight deluxe toppings. The classic cheese, Sicilian or New York-style pizza is $18. The classic cheese cauliflowercrust pies are $16.
Prices for the remaining 11 specialty pizza pies are $23 for the Sicilian or New York-style and $18 for cauliflower-crust pizzas. From traditional to tropical, they are:
• The Hula, featuring tomato sauce, ham, pineapple and mozzarella cheese.
• Tori’s Hot Honey Sunset with tomato sauce, pepperoni, parmesan cheese and a hot honey drizzle.
• The Carnivore, served with tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, bacon and ham.
• The Veggie Lovers pizza with spinach, black olives, mushroom, green peppers and onion with a tomato sauce.
• Lenny’z Margarita pizza is topped with tomato sauce, tomato, basil, olive oil and fresh mozzarella.
• The CBR stands for chicken, crumbled bacon and ranch dressing.
• For the barbecue lover, the BBQ Chicken pizza has chicken, barbecue sauce, red onion, crumbled bacon, cheese and barbecue drizzle.
• The Buffalo Chicken pizza comes topped with buffalo sauce, chicken,
banana pepper, red and green onion. Pick a ranch or blue cheese drizzle.
• Lenny’z Steak & Cheese pizza pie has steak, cheese, onions, green pepper and mushrooms.
• White Pizza, made without tomato sauce, features olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, pecorino romano and ricotta cheeses along with Italian herbs.
• Carl’s Mediterranean pizza is served with spinach, black olive, artichokes, red onion and feta. Last but not least, the Barb & Linda, a grandma-style square pizza, is $23.
Fried or baked calzones with ham, mozzarella and ricotta cheese are also on the menu for $12.
If burgers are what you crave, Lenny’z features four styles including
the classic All-American, served on a brioche bun, with sweet potato fries or a side salad. Burgers are priced from $15 to $17. Meatball, Italian and cheese steak subs as well as a fried chicken parmesan sandwiches are featured at $15 each.
Those looking for a lighter fare will enjoy four different salads and wraps beginning at $10.
Just for kids aged 10 and under, a dish of chicken tenders, mac and cheese bites, and a slice of grilled cheese pizza served with waffle or sweet potato fries or a side salad for $9 is designed to satisfy small appetites.
A plentiful list of starter items that could be a light meal or complement a drink or beer at the bar begin at $9. Among the selections are garlic knots for $9, a feta skillet
for $13, or a Lenny’z sampler that includes mozzarella sticks, wings, fried mac and cheese, jalapeño shrimp, marinara and avocado ranch for $23.
Chicken wings served with buffalo, garlic parmesan, barbecue and mango habanero sauce are also a Lenny’z staple. Choose 10 jumbo bone-in wings for $17 or four tenders, either grilled or fried, for $11.
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce will hold an official ribbon cutting ceremony in the near future to officially welcome Lenny’z to the south end of the Key.
“They are in a prime location and as a family-friendly restaurant, they are sure be a hit with both residents and tourists alike,” said Ann Frescura, executive director of the chamber.
Order online at lennyz.pizza. com or call (941) 260-8879. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Left: The first diners at Lenny’z Pizza & Island Bar on Midnight Pass. Top: The exterior of the new pizza parlour in Crescent Plaza. (Photos by Jane Bartnett)
Community Spotlight We want Moore!
QMr. Moore, you are one of our region’s most celebrated guitarists, known for your great versatility. How would you describe your sound and/or style of play?
AI truly appreciate those words, but I never thought of myself as celebrated at all. I am honored and thank you.
I’m thinking I probably would have been better off sticking with a genre and really honing in on it rather than being versatile, as far as a career path goes. But because of my overreactive imagination and the pressure of learning whatever songs you have to, and as fast as possible, for gigs around here I kind of got sidetracked.
When I was younger, I had always spent a lot of time writing music and jamming around campfires or whatever. So, that gave me a lot of musical freedom and versatility. My friends and I were always jamming and improvising, for hours and hours on end. So, as far as my sound and style, I haven’t a clue. I’m planning on coming up with some new music soon and bouncing it off a couple of people I know, to try to dial it in stylistically. So, when I figure that out, I’ll let you know. But I kind of don’t want to describe it yet. The main reason for that is so that I can see where I’m at this time around, musically, with my heart and soul that is.
QYouare a musical mainstay on Siesta Key, gigging at many venues here. In fact, most every Thursday night you are showcased at
Guitarist Thorson Moore continues to treat the Village to his electric delights
Blase Café. SKOB is another common venue for you. What makes playing on the island special for you?
AWell, I have had a lot of great experiences on the island of Siesta Key. I moved here in 1983 from Hawaii, when my father needed to retire early due to health issues. My great grandmother and my grandma on my dad’s side lived here so we were going to use Sarasota as a transition point for about a year. But then we just ended up staying here. Not really sure why, actually. I spent a lot of time on Siesta Key, not playing music, but just growing up around here before I played music.
And the beaches weren’t crowded like they are these days, so you could get away with lots more fun stuff back in the ‘80s.
Another fun fact: My first decent paying job (if you want to call it that) was at a place called China Palace delivering Chinese food when I was 17 years old. That building is now a bar/pizza place called Pi, and that’s associated with Blase Cafe where I play on Thursdays. And for those who don’t know, Blase Cafe and Pi have the same ownership and share a lot of the same staff in the kitchen as well as management and bartenders. So, for me hanging and playing music there, and also
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most likely being the only one who remembers when it was a Chinese delivery place, is pretty nostalgic for me.
I recommend the pizza and tequila. The people that work there are great too, by the way.
QYou play with many people under many different group names. Can you name them so people can be on the lookout?
AYeah, I currently still play with Kettle of Fish, the Bri Rivera Band, Dirty Byrd, Moore Dirty … and honestly a lot of other people, too. If anybody wants to find me, I update my calendar monthly at thorsonmoore.com. You can also follow my band page at “Thorson Moore Music and Friends” on Facebook.
QYou recently performed at a tribute show for the late, great Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band fame. What was your history with Betts?
AI met Dickey Betts in 2001 or 2002. I can’t remember actually, I’m really bad with that. There was a studio owner I knew that Betts had booked a session with and he was the one who introduced me. Dickey was recording a song for a John Lee Hooker album. John Lee Hooker would regularly collaborate with other musicians on his records, but I believe he finished his parts before the guest musicians had a chance to do their tracks. Or at least some of them, and then Hooker
passed away before the other players recorded their parts. So, then the other players, like Dickey Betts, etc., would go into a studio or whatever and finish their tracks. At least that’s it as I remember it. Pedro Arevalo was with me the day I met Dickey Betts, and then Pedro ended up playing bass with him for 20 years or so. I’ll never forget that night. It was just Dickey, Pedro and I in the studio for hours hearing incredible stories and guitar playing.
I feel truly blessed and honored. I have been lucky enough to play with some really great people, almost like I’m dreaming sometimes, and my conversations with Dickey were always impeccable. He always showed me the highest mutual respect. That’s how I knew him.
QYou’ve recorded two albums — Open Art Surgery in 2008 and Mr. Nobody in 2015. Describe those efforts, and how can people hear them and/or order them?
AWell, the first one really was songs l had written mostly in the ‘90s, more of a learning experience to me than anything. It just took me that long to finish it and get it printed. It’s very far in my past at this time to me and I haven’t even listened to it in forever. Maybe one day I will revisit it just for kicks. But I’d rather put out a lot of new stuff and focus on that. I’ve just been through so much and changed so much, that I have to put new things out there so people realize what’s
Continued on page 10
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Governor approves Midnight Pass money
On June 12, Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $500,000 in funding to address water quality issues in Little Sarasota Bay. This funding will be a starting point for research, design and permitting for the potential of restoring the waterway that once ran between Siesta Key and Casey Key.
Improving water quality in Little Sarasota Bay has been a recent priority for Sarasota County leaders and have acknowledged that Midnight Pass – closed in the early ‘80s by the county when two
homeowners complained their houses were being threatened with the plan to reroute the waterway – would be a focal point in reaching that goal.
Said Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder, whose District 4 seat lies in the territory where Midnight Pass once existed, “Water quality here in Sarasota County has always been a high priority to me and the community I grew up in and serve.
The first step is a feasibility study that is being conducted
in two phases. Phase 1 of the study includes the identification and assessment of concepts and alternatives, not limited to a fully dredged tidal inlet to improve overall water quality in the Little Sarasota Bay estuary. The focus will be on the coastal engineering and process requirements for a hydraulic connection including consideration of the State and Federal regulatory requirements and constraints.
The work includes a review of background information on the project; coordination with regulatory agencies — such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP); assessment of potential alternatives for re-establishing tidal flow between Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico; development of a summary of the efforts; and a presentation of the findings to the commissioners.
The county commissioners have been told by county staff to expect an update on the feasibility study later this summer.
Happiness Is…Fun in the Sun
Can we really even consider celebrating summer without including ice cream? I think not!
Whether you’ve spent a day on the water, by the pool, or in the comfort of air conditioning, every day is better when it ends with a creamy cup or cone of delicious ice cream. And there’s no better place to find your favorite award-winning flavors than Abel’s Ice Cream!
If this time of the year has you feeling a little extra patriotic, never fear. The folks at Abel’s have you covered as they celebrate summer in the USA with the best of the red, white, and blue.
Stop by for a cup or cone of Strawberry - a perennial winner (Creamy strawberry ice cream with
chunks of real strawberries and a strawberry swirl), an all-time classic Vanilla (Our award winning smooth & creamy vanilla ice cream), or Birthday Cake (Rich Cake Ice Cream with pieces of yellow cake, blue cotton candy flavored icing and rainbow sprinkles). Or better yet, combine these red, white, and blue flavors into the perfect sundae.
Summer’s heat is no match for the sweet treats at Abel’s. Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at their website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
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June 2, battery
A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to a Village bar in response to a disturbance. The security guard for the bar indicated he had removed a subject from the bar for being heavily intoxicated and acting disorderly. The security guard indicated that the subject returned to the property and began causing a disturbance, yelling and acting aggressively, and eventually striking and attempting to strike the victim. The subject was charged with battery.
June 6, theft
Deputies were dispatched to a store with respect to a theft. The complainant, who was an employee of the store, advised that a group of male subjects entered the store and suspiciously walked around viewing items in the store. The employee advised that two male subjects put several items in their bags, ran past the cashier, and exited the store.
The merchandise alarm went
Sherrif’s Report
off as the subjects exited the store. Video was obtained that showed the subjects taking the items from the store. The items taken three necklaces ($82 apiece), two multicolored T-shirts ($40 apiece) and five bars of soap ($11 apiece).
The total value was $382.
June 8, theft
An employee at a convenience store reported a theft from the beer cooler at the store. The employee indicated she glanced at the beer cooler camera monitor and observed a male grab three items and put them in his pockets. The employee observed him walk out of the store without paying for the items and got into a truck.
The employee got the tags of the truck. A sheriff’s deputy tracked down the truck at the residence of the owner, and the subject was charged with petit theft of merchandise.
June 12, theft
An employee observed a
customer of a convenience store take a Twisted Tea alcoholic beverage from a fridge and exit the store with the beverage without paying. The beverage was valued at $3.79.
Surveillance footage from the business depicts the suspect exiting the store with the beverage without paying. Surveillance footage was retained for court purposes.
June 12, property damage
A building was found with broken locks on the front door. The damage to the front door area included the front door handle ($400), front door lock latch ($30), inside door handle ($400), inside door frame ($200), and metal panel ($200).
Upon inspection of the property, it was noted that sliding glass doors on the second and third floors had been opened. There was a previous report of juveniles in the area. The surrounding area was canvassed for cameras.
Community Spotlight
Continued from page 6
actually going on with me. It’s hard to focus on what I really want musically. Just too busy working all the time. But I’m going to try to change that one way or another so I can get some things done while I am still here.
The Mr. Nobody album has got some pretty fun stuff on there, it’s very eclectic as is the other album. I think my head was on just a little straighter when I did the second record, though. Every once in a while, somebody will ask me to play a song off one of my albums, but then I – embarrassingly -- have to try to remember how it goes. The reality of most gigs around here is that most people are on vacation, and so my PTSD in the back of my brain is saying “that’s not ‘Margaritaville. ‘”
Just kidding, everybody.
Anyway, you can pretty much hear those albums on any music platform -- just type it in correctly and it’ll be there. I might swipe it off there once I make some new music, though. But
I still have CDs for both albums. I’m sure somebody out there might have a CD player, right?
QYou are scheduled to play at Blase Cafe at 7 p.m. July 4. What kind of fireworks can we expect out of you? Will a Hendrix-like rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” be among your offerings?
AI think (bandmate Brian) Byrd likes to do the “Star Spangled Banner” for the people and he does it great. But you never know. I might just light a guitar on fire.
Claghorn, Watson join SKA board
The Siesta Key Association welcomed two new board members at the organization’s June meeting.
Catherine Luckner, association president, announced that they are Dawn Claghorn and Nikki Watson. Both bring extensive professional experience in the fields of education, real estate and the non-profit world to their new positions. Both have recently relocated from Indiana.
Dawn Claghorn
A retired educator and experienced property manager, Claghorn came to Siesta Key and the Sarasota area from Indiana in January 2023. A special education middle school teacher and intermediate school assistant principal, Claghorn’s educational career spanned assignments in Louisville, Kentucky; Richmond, Indiana; and Muncie, Indiana. She and her late husband, James, who retired from the Indiana National Guard after a 32-year career at the rank of lieutenant colonel, owned and managed five rental properties in Indiana.
By Jane Bartnett
“We were a military family,” she said.
After relocating to Siesta Key, Claghorn purchased and now manages a short-term rental property in downtown Sarasota. She has branded her VRBO cottage “Coastal Cabana Hideout.”
A graduate of Indiana University, Claghorn holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Ball State University.
She expressed her enthusiasm for the Siesta Key Association and the work in which the SKA is engaged. “I am very interested in the hotel issue,” she said.
“I believe that new hotels would impact the people who have built small rental businesses.”
SKA’s coastal environmental work also is a strong interest for Claghorn.
“I’m brand new and happy to help wherever I’m needed,” said the new board member.
Nikki Watson
A global real estate advisor at Sotheby’s International Realty working from the downtown Sarasota office,
Nikki Watson spent the earlier part of her career in the management and financial services arena. In Indiana, she worked with a national commercial manufacturer as well as in financial operations management for the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the non-profit Washington, D.C.based LEAD1 Association. LEAD1 was formerly known as the Division 1A Athletic Directors Association.
Watson is a graduate of Indiana University-Indianapolis. She holds a Certificate in Information Technology from Purdue University and brings experience in business operations, event management analytics and customer relations to her new role at the SKA.
Watson also served on the board of the College Mentors for Kids, an Indianapolis-based children’s nonprofit organization.
A strong advocate for community service, Watson is enthusiastic about the Siesta Key Association. “The SKA does important work protecting the barrier island and supporting environmental issues,” she said.
Reviewed December18, 2023
Tara H. via TripAdvisor
SECOND VISIT
This was our second visit, this time with family from Minneapolis near Christmas. WHAT a perfect delicious dinner on all levels! My daughter's family, very discerning food critics, said the Dungeness crab was equal to the best they had in Latin America. They inhaled their supper with gusto!
We love the more natural low key atmosphere and the close proximity of the staff to the dining area. This helps them too in observing guest experience, valuable feedback.
The fresh fish selection of approximately 8-10 varieties is impressive and well represented with truly delicious options. We had their fresh steamed clams in butter — small super fresh and so sweet. Even saved the broth to make homemade Italian clam marinara later! And their crab cake was amazing.
The "maraschino cherry" of our perfect dinner was their EXCELLENT key lime pie, home made by them, served with genuine whipped cream.
Enjoy!!!
How SUITE
By Ned
With all the brouhaha over proposed high-rise hotels for Siesta Key, let’s pause a moment to consider what makes for a successful low-rise hotel. Look no farther than the south end of the Village where you’ll find, exactly where it has sat for some 75 years, the only legal hotel currently on the island.
Welcome to the Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites, where they’ll check you in with a smile – and let you stay only two or three nights if that’s all you have. Modest but spiffy, low-key but good-vibe, this hotel has gone through numerous ownerships and iterations and emerged as a model for preservation-oriented beach town tourism.
After owners Dave Balot and Mike Holderness bought it in 2017, they were denied approval to raze the 55-unit property at 5311Ocean Blvd. and replace it with a 170-room complex on the 1.5-acre site.
Ever since, they’ve worked on turning a lemon into lemonade.
A still-continuing upgrade has overhauled the exterior, installed a sparkling new pool and spa, re-landscaped with 70 palm trees, refurbished guest rooms and injected 21st century amenities while preserving a mid-20th century atmosphere.
To passersby, the most visible improvement is the festive, youcan’t-miss-it, sidewalk-facing tiki bar completed in 2022 to cover a formerly bland patio area. A giantsized Adirondack chair greets visitors amid the usual tiki décor, bringing an instant smile.
“We are bringing back the Siesta Key vibe of the ‘50s,” said Holderness. “And people love it.”
That is what a posse of 16 women from Toronto, Ohio – they couldn’t agree whether to call themselves “working moms” or “retired” –found upon checking in for a (very) long weekend to celebrate Cathy
Terpenning’s birthday.
Seeing some of balance lounge chairs, and coolers to make the beach, an assistant shouted out, “Ladies, ride?”
Within seconds, pulled up and seven women were even
“We love this place,” said, as her friends cart. “The rooms are They gave me free
We’ll be repeat offenders
Balot and Holderness million for the property, they’ve rejected offers as $40 million. For resolution of the various density hotel proposals, standing pat with got, taking a wait-and-see toward the future.
“Who doesn’t like something that was and returning it to
Getting modern and retro all at once, the venerable Siesta Key Beach
Holderness and Balot signing purchase contract
Original signage before renovation
SUITE it is!
Resorts and Suites’ transformation has served the island quite nicely
birthday. them struggle to chairs, umbrellas make their way to assistant manager “Ladies, how about a a golf cart seven already-happy happier. place,” Terpenning friends piled onto the are beautiful. free ice for my cooler. offenders here.”
Holderness paid $9.7 property, and say offers for as high For now, pending various higherproposals, they are what they’ve wait-and-see attitude future. like taking was in bad shape to its former
glory?” asked Balot. What they’ve done has been noticed and appreciated by the community. “It is exactly what we’d like to see more of in the Village,” said Catherine Luckner, president of the Siesta Key Association. “We hope others think of doing something similar, and not try to reproduce downtown Sarasota or Longboat Key.”
During hurricanes, she added, the hotel has opened its rooms to emergency responders. “They are kind to the community as a whole,” she said.
Ann Frescura, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, said the hotel also provides lodging to artists in the annual Crystal Classic sandsculpting festival. “They are very active and supportive,” she added.
“The visitor center often gets calls from people who need two or three nights of lodging, and we appreciate that they accommodate
guests for less than a week.”
The nightly cost for those two- or three-night stays ranges from about $150 to $400, depending on time of year and room size. If you want a bargain, October is your month. Overall, annually the occupancy rate hovers in the 70-80% range.
While the various hotel proposal cases – one of which is a few doors down and would throw a shadow on their property – wind through the litigation and regulation swamp, Balot and Holderness are content to wait and then contemplate any next steps. But that doesn’t mean they are pleased with the possible approval of four highrise hotels when their application to expand an old one was denied.
“It doesn’t make sense to have new hotels when there are 6,000 legal units to rent on Siesta Key,” Holderness said. “Most condos are condo hotels – transient accommodations. They’re trying to create a false need.”
Ned Steele
Holderness and Balot standing by big chair in front of Big Tiki Lounge
Former lobby area
Icing on the cake
Siesta resident Judy Thomas receiving
By Jane Bartnett
There’s something magical about dancing on ice.
“It’s a sport, an art, and a combination of ballet and gymnastics. It’s the closest thing to flying.” That is how Judy Thomas, one of the most celebrated figure skaters in the world, describes the magic that happens when a brilliant ice skater performs.
It’s been a busy, rewarding and exciting time for this Siesta Key resident whose career in the iceskating world has spanned more than 50 years. In May, Thomas was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating/Professional Skaters Hall of Fame. A year earlier, in 2023, she was inducted into the ProSkaters Hall of Fame and, in 2017, the Professional Skaters Association awarded Thomas the Sonja Henie Edi Award.
Only a few months ago, Thomas also stepped away from her role as the woman who held the power to create ice skating stars, the performers who dance and spin and bring Disney on Ice to life. After a 30-year career, she retired from Feld Entertainment, the Ellenton-based company that produces Disney on Ice.
As casting director and production coordinator for Feld Entertainment, Thomas discovered and recruited talented ice skaters from around the world. Those that she chose would become traveling cast members of the nine Disney on
Ice productions, as well as several other non-touring Feld ice skating productions. Disney reports that in the past year, more than 400 Disney on Ice performers entertained audiences in 16 countries.
At Feld, Thomas also was a part of the Disney on Ice team that oversaw the development of new shows while maintaining that special magical element in existing productions. Throughout the years, stars such as Nancy Kerrigan and U.S. national champion Scott Davis performed with the company.
Thomas estimates that during the past 30 years, she recruited more than 1,000 skaters.
According to the Professional Skaters Association, she enjoyed a longer career with a singular employer than anyone else in the world of ice shows.
In the beginning
As a young girl growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Thomas could never have known what an exciting and successful career lay before her. As one of three daughters of Pentti Lund, a Finnish-born Boston Bruins and New York Rangers professional hockey player who won the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1949, Thomas was enrolled, along with her two sisters, in local figure skating clubs. She was a natural.
After a move to Vancouver
in the early 1970s, as a high school student Thomas and a friend visited Seattle and saw a recruiting poster for the Ice Follies, one of the most prestigious touring ice companies of its time. Thomas auditioned and in 1973 she joined the company and began her professional ice-skating career. In 1979, Feld Entertainment began producing the Ice Follies. In 1981, the company took over the Disney-themed ice shows. “It was a good change,” Thomas said. “Disney brought families and multi-generations to the shows.”
Thomas was cast in the first show, Walt Disney’s World on Ice. “It was a variety show and the premiere was at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. On opening night, it was full to the roof,” she said. “From that day on I never looked back. I made incredible friendships. It became family as we lived and worked together. It was a remarkable environment because there’s a shared passion for skating and travel.”
During those years, she also performed in some of the first
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Disney on Ice shows to tour outside of the U.S. They included Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Ice -- Sport Goofy, Snow White and Pinocchio.
Thomas continued to tour with the company as a performance director. In 1991, she became the company’s recruiting manager and four years later Thomas began the job that would carry her through to 2024.
In addition to overseeing a cast of close to 450 touring performers, on occasion she was also called on to choreograph. The number of skaters who have Thomas to thank for their careers and those who have stayed in contact with her are too many to count.
During Thomas’ 30 years at Feld Entertainment, she also met her husband, Dave. He also began his career as a performer but transitioned to management and completed his career as a senior executive at Feld. The couple made Siesta Key their home in 1991.
After taking a few months off, Thomas is moving onto her next project. As a member of the board of directors of the non-profit ProSkaters.org, she has plenty to do. In her free time, she hopes to spend some time kayaking the waters of Siesta Key.
“As long as you do what you love, you won’t work at day in your life,” she said. “Looking back, I don’t know if I could have scripted it any better.”
Left: Judy Thomas with her 2024 Hall of Fame Professional Skaters Association Award. Right: Thomas (right) and a fellow Ice Follies performer.
What should you know about RMDs?
You may spend decades contributing to various retirement accounts. But for some accounts, such as a traditional IRA and 401(k), you must start withdrawing funds at a certain point. What should you know about this requirement?
To begin with, the rules governing these withdrawals — technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — have changed recently. For many years, individuals had to begin taking their RMDs (which are based on the account balance and the IRS’ life expectancy factor) when they turned 70½. The original SECURE Act of 2019 raised this age to 72, and SECURE 2.0, passed in 2022, raised it again, to 73. (If you turned 73 in 2023, and you were 72 in 2022 when the RMD limit was still 72, you should have taken your first RMD for 2022 by April 1 of this year. You will then need to take your 2023 RMD by Dec. 31. And going forward, you’ll also need to take your RMDs by the end of every year.)
Not all retirement accounts are subject to RMDs. They aren’t required for a Roth IRA, and, starting in 2024, won’t be required for a Roth 401(k) or 403(b) plan. But if your account does call for RMDs, you do need to take them, because if you don’t, you could face tax penalties. Previously, this penalty was 50% of the amount you were supposed to have
taken, but SECURE 2.0 reduced it to 25%.
When you take your RMDs, you need to be aware of a key issue: taxes. RMDs are taxed as ordinary income, and, as such, they could potentially bump you into a higher tax bracket and possibly even increase your Medicare premiums, which are determined by your modified adjusted gross income. Are there any ways you could possibly reduce an RMD-related tax hike?
You might have some options. Here are two to consider: Convert tax-deferred accounts to Roth IRA . You could convert some, or maybe all, of your tax-deferred retirement accounts to a Roth IRA. By doing so, you could lower your RMDs in the future — while adding funds to an account you’re never required to touch. So, if you don’t really need all the money to live on, you could include the remainder of the Roth IRA in your estate plans, providing an initially tax-free inheritance to your loved ones. However, converting a tax-deferred account to a Roth IRA will generate taxes in the year of conversion, so you’d need the money available to pay this tax bill.
Donate RMDs to charity. In what’s known as a qualified charitable distribution, you can move up to $100,000 of your RMDs directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity, avoiding the taxes
that might otherwise result if you took the RMDs yourself. After 2023, the $100,000 limit will be indexed to inflation.
Of course, before you start either a Roth IRA conversion or a qualified charitable distribution, you will need to consult with your tax advisor, as both these moves have issues you must consider and may not be appropriate for your situation.
But it’s always a good idea to know as much as you can about the various aspects of RMDs — they could play a big part in your retirement income strategy.
Joe St. Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments 5011 Ocean Blvd., suite 205 Siesta Key, FL 34242
All Roads Lead to Made in Rome Organic Gelato on Siesta Key!
Seven days a week, for up to 14 hours a day, Diane Cuna churns out a rainbow of organic gelato flavors for her Made in Rome shop in the middle of Siesta Village.
Diane was born a third-generation circus performer in the famed Theron Family, a French bicycle act who fled Europe during World War II and performed all over the world with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. Cuna grew up performing cycling feats and crossbow stunts with her siblings.
She retired from show business at age 40 and, inspired by her Italian husband whose family been making gelato for many generations, began channeling her creativity and gregarious energy into gelato. She opened Made in Rome on April 19, 2017. Six years later, you can still find her there, telling stories and serving up her fiery spirit in frozen form.
Cuna dedicated herself to organic, all-natural ingredients from the very beginning. For her flavors, she started in Italy. Her pistachios come straight from Bronte (Sicily), hazelnuts from Piedmont (Northern Italy). “Everything in the shop is Italian,” she said.
“I make it here from scratch,” said Cuna. I do not use artificial flavoring. People love the key lime. They love the teacher’s coffee [flavor]. I offer traditional Italian flavors and American flavors.
Among her more unusual creations, Cuna makes a popular “Red Tide” flavor: chocolate gelato with pepperoncino, sea salt, and Italian cherries. She also serves a gelato with activated charcoal for a sort of dessert detox.
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.
Jenn Eshbaugh
First, the gelato is the best I’ve ever had. It was the owner who served us. Little did she know my boyfriend has been teaching ServSafe classes for many years. He raved about how well the frozen treats were store and how well she handled the act of serving it to us. She did everything by the book. No cross contamination and very clean. The little paddle spoons are made of 100% recycled corn husks and the gelato is served with a kosher and vegan little baby sugar cone. We found this gem the first day in Siesta Key and we will DEFINITELY be back every day we’re here. So good! My one regret was I didn’t get a picture (maybe because I ate it so fast.)
Beauty & Gelato: Kylie, Martina, And Natasha greet all to Made In Rome Gelato with a smile and quality service.
Made In Rome Gelato owner, Diane Cuna
Contractors’ hours will be limited to Monday through Fridayfrom 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ray reported that there will be no roadwork on Saturdays and Sundays. She also said that holidays will also be construction-free including the July Fourthholiday, as well as the upcoming Labor Day that falls on Monday, Sept. 2.
“This is a resurfacing project, not a reconstruction project,” Ray told the group. “We are trying to address drainage concerns.”
Sarasota County has contracted with Ajax Paving Industries of Florida for the construction effort that is part of the countywide resurfacing and community improvement project. The county began installing message boards at the intersection of Siesta Drive and Higel Avenue and at Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road in May.No dates for specific roads are currently available.
Residential streets in Siesta Key
subdivisions that are scheduled for resurfacing include:
HarmonyPrimrose Path, Featherbed Lane and Peaceable Way
Mira Mar BeachAvenida Navarra, Avenida Veneccia, Columbus Boulevard and Beach Road
Ocean BeachGleason Avenue, Ralph Street, Reid Street, Givens Street, Banan Place and Cummings Street
Point of RocksPoint of Rocks Road, Crescent Street, Dee Place and Point of Rocks Circle
Roberts PointRoberts Point Circle
Sara SandsSandy Cove Avenue, Higel Avenue, Windward Avenue, Sandy Beach Avenue, Sandy Shore Avenue and Windward Place
Sarasota BeachCalle de La Siesta, Calle del Invierno and Plaza de las Palmas
Siesta BeachOxford Drive, Edgemere Lane, Plymouth Street, Saint Albans Avenue, Commonwealth Lane, Commonwealth Place, Oakmont
Place and Dewey Place
Siesta CoveSiesta Court, Siesta Cove Drive, North View Drive and South View Drive
SiestaRoberts Point Road and North Shell Road
Siesta BaysideSiesta Key Circle, Tremont Street,
HARMONIZE ABUNDANTLY
Come experience the authentic warmth of meaningful connections within a community that prioritizes its residents, fostering a deep sense of care and belonging.
Please call us at 941.966.5611 to schedule a tour and learn more. Scan the QR Code to visit our website.
Venice
Siesta
members, will also post news about the resurfacing program and hold Facebook Live presentations on this Facebook page:#SRQCountyProjects.
Additional information on the project is available atloom.ly/ CJEq81o #SRQCountyProjects and on the county website at scgov.net-capitalprojects.
Residents may also call 311 to inquire about the resurfacing program and work in their area.
Bridge work
Following Ray’s presentation, Siesta Key Association treasurer Bob Luckner spoke about work being done on the Stickney Point Road bridge, which began in June. It will continue for 200 days.
“A barge will be under the bridge, but It will not interfere with car traffic,” he said.
As the street resurfacing project advances, Sarasota County will mail postcards and place door hangers with details about construction at individual residences. The county, Ray told the association
He noted that the bridge will open on demand to boaters instead of on the half hour as it has been functioning.
The north bridge is slated to have work done at a future date, Luckner said.
Move to a better kind of healthcare.
the familiar strains of the national anthem filled the night air. Veterans stood at attention and saluted the American flag that rippled in the cool breeze. Others held their hands over their hearts and gazed at the flag that waved above.
Bundy paused and invited a Marine Corps and an Air Force veteran to join in folding the flag. Drawing on their training, the two began the precise and regimented tradition of folding the American flag 13 times. Within minutes they had formed a perfect triangle.
approximately 15 minutes. During the summer months, he estimates attendance at approximately 150 and 200 people. “It’s always positive,” he said. “People come up and thank me.”
“The flag is folded to represent the original 13 colonies of the United States,” according to the National Air and Space Museum. “Each fold carries its own meaning … some folds symbolize freedom, life, or pay tribute to mothers, fathers, and those who serve in the armed forces.
“When the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, representing the soldiers who served under George Washington, the sailors and marines who served under John Paul Jones, and the many who have followed in their footsteps.”
The sunset ceremony concluded when Bundy raised a U.S. Army Special Forces flag that flew overnight.
The local tradition
Bundy’s ties to Patriots Pier began about five years ago when he started assisting former resident Mike Cosentino with the daily tribute. This past April, when Cosentino (who owns the land known as Patriots Point) relocated to the Florida Keys, Bundy assumed the tradition that Cosentino began in 2017.
A native of Juneau, Alaska, Bundy first discovered Siesta Key while on vacation. He made the island his home 10 years ago.
The former Realtor is proud to carry on the Siesta Key tradition. “I keep the focus on the military. We recognize both active duty and retired,” he said.
In the height of the season, Bundy welcomes close to 500 people on the beach for the sunset ceremony that lasts for
Many of the veterans find it an emotional and uplifting experience. Over time, Bundy has met and talked with veterans of World War II, and the wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Afghanistan. “We haven’t had any members of United States Space Force yet, but I know that could change,” he said with a smile.
A number of veteran family members have asked Bundy to fly a flag to pay tribute to their loved one. “We’ve done that and I give them the flag,” he said. “On average, we give away about 20 flags a month.” Bundy and Cosentino purchase the flags that are flown each day. They welcome donations.
Bundy’s administrative team that includes Zack McNally, Anne Overbeck, Kyna Smith and Rick Chenoweth videotape the events, support a Facebook page, and help him during the ceremonies. The youngest loyal volunteer is Marcello Sciacca, who comes as often as he can. His father and younger brother also join him. “It’s really an awesome thing,” says Marcello’s father Frank.
In keeping with another long-standing military tradition, Bundy has also raised “burial flags.” These American flags either draped the coffin or accompanied the urn of a veteran at his or her funeral or memorial service.
Meanwhile, on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. the Siesta Key Chapel holds a beach service at the same site that is open to all. The Siesta Key Patriots Pier sunrise and sunset ceremonies are free and open to the public at 10 Beach Rd., Beach Access 2, at the intersection of Beach Road and Avenida Messina. Updates and changes due to weather conditions are reported on the Patriots Pier at Sunset Point Facebook page. “As long as it’s a Category 3 or under,” Bundy advises, “we’re here.”
Wayne Bundy, at left, manages the day-to-day operations of Patriots Pier. Anne Overbeck is part of the administrative team. Ray, a veteran who lends his support during the winter months stands beside Patriots Pier founder Mike Cosentino on a brisk winter day.
Hundreds of visitors and local residents alike attended the sunset ceremony at Patriots Pier on a June evening.
Salad … $20
grilled shrimp or chicken Kale Salad … $21
SANDWICHES
Grouper Sandwich … $21
Salmon BLT … $20 Mahi Mahi Sandwich … $20
Chicken Sandwich … $14
Cheeseburger … $14 Vegan Burger … $13
Back Ribs … $25
Orange Pecan Chicken … $17
Filet Mignon … $25
Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $35
Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail $50
Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail $42
Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $55
FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS Coconut Shrimp … $23
Gulf Shrimp … $21 Fish & Chips … $20 Fried Combo … $29
PASTA & BOWLS
Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $25
Salmon Pasta … $22
Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $22
Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp $22
Jambalaya … $23
Pasta Primavera … $16
DESSERTS
Turtle Pie … $10
Key Lime Pie … $10
Sample Platter … $13
Ice Cream Bar … $7
*Prices subject to change
Sarasota’s only old-fashioned Meat Market, Deli and Restaurant under one roof
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• Crown Roast (Pork or Lamb)
• Party Platters
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Prime Aged Steaks, Chops, Seafood, NY Deli Meats, Sausage and Salads
Voted Sarasota’s Best Philly Cheesesteak and NY Reuben Serving Sarasota Since 1975 We offer takeout and complete catering services.
Doing it well
ArchWell Health facility has offerings across the board
By Jane Bartnett
The class paid close attention as the instructor spoke about the lifesaving importance of CPR. The students taking part in a free seminar were members and guests of the new ArchWell Health facility in the Beneva Village Shoppes mall on Clark Road. The spacious, brightly colored and welcoming facility, that once housed a Walgreens, opened in November.
A national healthcare firm based in Nashville, ArchWell Health was founded in 2020. It has experienced rapid growth in the past four years and now manages 51 clinics in nine states including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, North
Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. The Clark Road location is the largest of the 10 facilities found on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Currently, the company’s only Florida locations are on the west coast although news reports state that Jacksonville is being considered.
To join ArchWell Health, seniors must be 60 years and older. They must also be enrolled in select in-network Medicare Advantage Plans. Accepted plans include Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana and Devoted Health Plans. Traditional Medicare and Medicare insurance plans are not applicable.
Continued on page 26
Top: ArchWell Health in the Beneva Village Shoppes center at 3506 Clark Road. (Photo by Jane Bartnett). Below: Indoor volleyball at ArchWell Health (Provided)
The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key
The following are properties sold on Siesta Key in the last 60 days, providing a snapshot of home values on the Key for both single-family homes and condominiums.
HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE
7652 SANDERLING ROAD
$7,750,000
Experience a life like no other at this stunningly updated Siesta Key beachfront residence. Nestled amidst lush, Floridafriendly greenery, this private estate offers a unique and unparalleled living experience. With over an acre of property and an impressive 172’ of beachfront, this property is a true coastal paradise. Situated within the exclusive Sanderling Club, the only guard-gated, single-family neighborhood on Siesta Key, this home is a masterpiece of design and luxury. Originally envisioned by the renowned architect Robert Geddes, this residence was created to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf. From nearly every room in this four-bedroom, 5,000-square-foot home, you can gaze out over the shimmering Gulf waters and savor awe-inspiring sunsets.
Courtesy of Coldwell Banker
LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE
1210 SEA PLUME WAY
$615,000
Substantial reduction below appraisal. Opportunity knocks! The property needs major repairs. Your choice, remodel or scrape and start new? Very private and “junglesque”. South of the Stickney Point bridge and close to South Village entertainment and restaurants. Courtesy of Solutions Realty
HIGHEST PRICED CONDO
9008 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #5
$2,400,000
Located on Siesta Key this 5,675 sq ft condominium home features an elevator that will escort you from a deeded under-building oversized 2-car garage large enough for kayaks and assorted water toys. Your boat can be waiting for you from your deeded boat slip. Highlights include 10 ft ceilings, travertine tile floors, KeepSafe hurricane-rated windows & sliders and 2 new A/C units. A chef’s kitchen opens to the family room on one side & gathering room on the other side with a breakfast bar & new stainless appliance. For a more formal setting is a dining area with a dramatic oval ceiling. The owner’s suite is an expansive 16x25 with a double set of siding doors and forever water & beach views plus easy access to the rooftop terrace for thrilling nightly sunsets. The private guest suites are tucked away with their own en-suite baths & walk-in closets. The Sea Breeze condominium is a boutique size building built in 2004.
Courtesy of Coldwell Banker
LOWEST PRICED CONDO
6006 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #2
$315,000
This is a complete renovated unit: all pipes, kitchen, bath and flooring were replaced in 2021. Amazing opportunity to own a unit with 300 feet of private sand on the world-famous beach. This is an incredible seasonal/investment property! Fully Furnished with everything you need for a short or long-term stay. Main living is spacious. The convenience of your assigned parking spot right outside your door makes unloading groceries and luggage without having to deal with stairs. Casa Mar is a popular vacation destination with many return visitors for its amenities, location and layout.
Courtesy of Keller Williams
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce board members thought: What does that better than July 4 fireworks?
They passed the hat, held garage sales and scraped enough dollars together to try it. Conveniently, the pyrotechnics expert who ran special effects for Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Carlo Giordano, lived on Siesta Key. He agreed to stage the event.
It was too late to secure the permits needed to launch the show from the beach. Giordano, who still lives in the area but no longer runs the event, recalled, “We got a rickety barge from St Petersburg and set up 1,000 feet offshore. I put a crew together and we spent a day setting it up. It was an amazing display.”
Duley recalled, “You could see it all the way from the Village to
Crescent Beach.”
The show became an annual event. Duley took it over in 1993. Permits to launch from the beach were obtained, and the group started a beach cookout to raise funds. “For $100 you got a parking space and tickets to the barbecue,” she said.
Restaurant stalwarts like Mattison’s, Ophelia’s on the Bay, Siesta Village Café, and Daquiri Deck provided food and support. Condo associations made financial contributions.
In the early years the fireworks were manually launched; today it’s all automated. The logistics were endless: setup, the barbecue, standby ambulances, the fire marshal who would shut it down if winds exceeded 15 mph (it never happened), and 40 off-duty deputy sheriffs for traffic control, Duley persuaded
the Coast Guard to lock the bridges down for an hour after the finale so cars could depart the key more easily. Her day would start at 9 a.m. and finish at 2 a.m. July 5.
But it produced indelible moments. Duley still remembers a little Hispanic girl, about 3, waving the flag emphatically after the grand finale and shouting, “I love the USA!”
Duley led the event for a decade. “I had a good run,” she recalled. “We never got rained on. It brings out the joy in being American.”
Tom and Kay Kouvatsos, proprietors of the Siesta Village Café, were among those who helped take over the event after Duley. They weren’t as lucky.
“It was always hot and it always rained,” Kay Kouvatsos said. The couple still donates
coolers full of wraps, chips and juice to the event.
Giordano ran the fireworks for about a dozen years. He still does private shows for weddings and parties. The Siesta Key event is now run by Zambelli Fireworks, a major Boca Raton-based pyrotechnics company. It is one of the company’s largest July 4 events in Florida, according to
Left: Carlo Giordano with a misfired shell from an early Siesta Key fireworks show. It exploded prematurely on land and fortunately did not injure him, though he suspects his problems hearing might date to this mishap. He saves it in his backyard in Sarasota as a reminder of the importance of safety. (submitted photo)
lead pyrotechnician tech Craig Merrill.
This year’s show was to include 7,500 shells ranging in size from 1 to 5 inches, he said, with plenty of the crowdpleasing “rapid fire” shells.
“It’s a pretty big deal,” he said. “With fireworks at the beach you’re looking up instead of looking out.”
But, noted Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ann Frescura, “It is done on a bare bones budget” – about $50,000 – and still reliant on community support for every dollar. There is no government funding.
“It is a well-loved community event and as long as it is supported it will continue.”
Added Duley, “It’s a great gift to the community. What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks?”
Let’s hope Siesta Key never has to find out.
Cheryl Duley with an appreciative bouquet of flowers presented to her back in the day by the organizers of the annual Siesta Key fireworks show. (submitted photo)
Duley (right) with Carlo Giordano in 1997. Giordano and his team handled pyrotechnics for the first 15 years or so. (submitted photo)
$3,000,000 Residential 238 ISLAND CIR
FL 34242 4 bd • 4 ba • 2,854 sq SOLD SOLD
ArchWell Health
Helping seniors to live a healthy and happy life is a key element of ArchWell Health’s mission. Functioning as a primary care health center, the message is that here, all your health care needs are met, under one roof.
Staffed by a team of trained health care providers, the ArchWell Health medical team includes two physicians, one nurse practitioner and a clinical medical team trained to care for older adults with age related health issues.
ArchWell Health’s ValYou Care is the basis of the company’s senior primary care program.
“Appointments can be arranged within one to two weeks,” said Paige Wesley, ArchWell Health community relations specialist.
The goal, the company reports, is to maintain a senior’s good health. Physicians spend more time with each member than traditional medical groups generally allow. Appointments average 40 minutes. This extended meeting period is intended to allow time for the physician to discuss the person’s health and well-being.
The member’s primary care physician also manages chronic health conditions and provides positive care.
Preventive health screenings provided by an ArchWell Health primary physician are recommended to detect issues before they worsen and to improve the individual’s quality of life. When needed, medical referrals are made to ArchWell Health preferred providers.
According to the company’s website, ArchWell Health members enjoy additional advantages not found at traditional medical practices. Members can reach a professional on the care team by phone or text anytime of the day or night. Guaranteed same day sick care appointments are another benefit.
“We pride ourselves on ensuring that our members do not have to visit an emergency room or urgent care center,” said Wesley.
The company also partners with Ride Health to provide transportation to a medical appointment for those in need.
Routine laboratory work is also done on site. The clinic is fully equipped to provide blood, urine and stool tests ordered by a doctor. In the event of an emergency condition, there are triage rooms.
Members are encouraged to
Continued from page 22
receive routine vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, shingles, and other diseases at the clinic.
For those seniors who are facing challenging situations in their lives, appointments with an ArchWell Health social worker can be arranged.
For cardiac patients, preventive telehealth health screening appointments with cardiologists are available to better manage cardiac conditions. Electrocardiograms are performed on site.
Upcoming events
In the coming months, Wesley is working to arrange additional guest speakers for members to enjoy. Several topics she hopes to address include sleep and art. “We’ve had an art therapy class and movie days that were very well received. We even partnered with our neighboring business Cat Depot for a cat adoption day,” she said.
Nutrition and healthy eating are additional categories on which Wesley is focusing, and she hopes to feature visits from local chefs. “We like to partner with local businesses,” she said.
“Fitness classes are also popular,” Wesley added.
“We’ve had chair yoga and Pilates sessions and a personal safety workshop called Damsels & Defense that focused on situational awareness.”
To celebrate the Fourth of July, an indoor picnic is planned for ArchWell Health members, friends and family.
“Social events and weekly activities are important for seniors’ health and well-being,” Wesley said.
To learn about upcoming open house events at the local ArchWell Health clinic, stop in at 3506 Clark Rd., call (941) 297-2126 or visit ArchWell health.com
A CPR lesson held at ArchWell Health. (Photo by Jane Barnett)
Cat Depot visited ArchWell Health and brought adoptable kitties looking for a forever home. (Provided)
