OOlympic Gold
CLil’ Dougie goes home
Rescued loggerhead sea turtle released on Siesta Beach by Jane Bartnett
n a warm and sunny August morning, Mote Marine Laboratory scientists arrived at Siesta Beach with a special delivery: a healthy, young female loggerhead turtle was going home to the Gulf waters, ready to resume her life.
Her future was not as bright 73 days earlier. On Memorial Day, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office creative communications specialist Doug Johnson and his wife Susannah were paddleboarding in Blackburn Bay and found the turtle floating, unable to submerge herself.
Fearing for her safety, Doug Johnson contacted Mote Marine Laboratory. The Johnsons remained with the struggling turtle until Mote arrived and evacuated her for emergency care.
“We knew we had to stay with her until Mote arrived,” Doug Johnson
Olympics star Summer McIntosh has four medals and two homes
anada’s most decorated athlete at the Paris Olympics might never have earned her four gold medals in swimming had she not done what so many Canadians do: flee the chilly winter for the Siesta Key area’s golden sunshine. Summer McIntosh, age 17 when she won three
By Ned Steele
golds and a silver at the games last month, trained extensively for two years leading up to Paris at the elite Sarasota Sharks training facility, widely known for training future champions, just off Tamiami Trail. And after long hours of hard training in the pool, she would inevitably head to the beach with her
Does Siesta Key beaches need more lifeguards?
friends or her mom.
“We come down as much as we possibly can right after practice,” McIntosh told a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) interviewer before heading to Paris. “We’ll just sit on the beach and
said. In honor of Doug, the Mote team named the turtle Lil’ Dougie.
When Lil’ Dougie arrived at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, her medical team discovered that part of her left front flipper was missing, likely from a shark bite. Categorized as “subadult,” she was also suffering from anemia, lethargy, and buoyancy issues. At Mote’s hospital, she was placed in a shallow rehabilitation pool, given subcutaneous fluids, and injectable antibiotics. She responded well and eagerly ate shrimp, capelin, and squid.
As the weeks went by, Lil’ Dougie continued to improve. When placed in deeper water, her buoyancy issues resolved. The turtle’s damaged flipper healed well.
«Not every turtle, especially a turtle with a potential shark bite or a turtle
Captain Curt’s Village
Dangerous conditions prompt inquiries into more lifeguards for Siesta Key beaches
Siesta Key beaches are beautiful, but rip currents are a serious reality.
A drowning on May 19 at Turtle Beach required a 24hour search before the body was recovered. This incident has raised concern regarding the safety of area beaches and the need for more lifeguards. Currently, there are only four lifeguard stands across 13 public access points. All four lifeguard stands are located at Siesta Beach. This means the majority of the Key’s eight miles of beaches, which are considered private but are accessible to the public, are not monitored for safety.
Regardless of use, Sarasota County will only fund county owned property. Additionally, only county owned property can have parks and rec’s rules implemented. This leaves a significant majority of Siesta Key’s beaches without funding for lifeguards, cleanup, and liability.
Turtle Beach, located at the southernmost end of Siesta Key, is a public beach that receives tax dollars for renourishment. The most recent renourishment, a process that involves dredging sand from an offshore source to build up eroded beaches, took place in 2023 and cost about $8 million. Mike Holderness, a Siesta Key hotelier and former resident asked, “Since Turtle Beach is a nourished public beach and the county can fund needs, why isn’t there a lifeguard stationed?”
Holderness also pointed out that the county has launched advertising campaigns to bring more people to the area’s world-
renowned white sand beaches.
Additionally, the beaches on Siesta Key are repeatedly voted by travel websites and national publications as some of the best in the world, so safety is becoming a bigger issue. “The people coming from up north likely may not know anything about lightning and rip currents,” Holderness said.
Joe Securo, a Sarasota County lifeguard for 20 years who covered Siesta Beach from 1996 to 2006, said on Aug. 17 that the county planned to put up a lifeguard stand at Turtle Beach during his tenure, “but that never happened and I don’t know why.”
During the decade he worked the beaches, Securo saw an uptick in the number of daily visitors, which prompted him to suggest to management that more lifeguard stands be added.
“Despite that, they actually took stands off the beaches,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense that the populations on these beaches have increased tremendously, yet they reduced the number of lifeguard stands out there.”
He said, at the time, it appeared the problem was a lack of leadership. “At the time of my career, the lifeguard manager would not advocate to his upper-level management to get these things done proactively.”
Today, Securo said the problem could be related to funding the positions and ensuring adequate retirement benefits. He said, that even though Sarasota County lifeguards are trained as emergency medical technicians, they are paid as regular county
By ChrisAnn Allen
employees and are not eligible for the state’s Special Risk Retirement plan, unlike Manatee County lifeguards.
About six years ago, the county reduced summer lifeguard hours from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. Securo said when he inquired with county staff regarding the change, he was told, “The people who go to the beach after 5 p.m. don’t go in the water.” Since then, there have been drownings during that now unregulated window of time, including a ten-yearold girl at Siesta Beach who drowned at about 6:30 p.m. on May 24, 2020. “There are a lot of things that are not happening in the lifeguard department and that needs to change,” Securo said.
In an interview with Siesta Sand on Aug. 15, Sarasota County District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith, whose district includes the northern end of Siesta Key, also said lack of water safety information and oversight for visitors could be a problem.
“Depending on the weather, the currents can change so you could be there one day and there wasn’t an issue and go back the next day thinking it was the same situation, but it may not be the case and that’s what the lifeguards are there for, to put the flags up and keep an eye out.”
Smith said he understands the concern. “We need to find a solution, because as the population has grown, the beach accesses that were once used more or less just by residents are now being visited more heavily,” he said, adding that if the
county increases the number of lifeguards and stations, it must be for all the beaches, not just Turtle Beach. “You can’t do a special thing for one park without doing it for all the parks,” he said. “It is going to have to be a full analysis of how many people do we need and how do we budget for that.”
The county currently is in budget hearings for the upcoming fiscal year, so now is a
crucial time to create awareness for the issue. “It all comes down to funding. Unfortunately, things don’t change sometimes until there is tragedy.
Oftentimes, government is reactive rather than proactive. So that is why it is important to bring it up now. My experience is that sometimes it takes things being brought up repeatedly to move the needle.”
Debby Downer
Tropical storm causes flooding and shutters businesses on Siesta Key
By Jane Bartnett
Tropical Storm Debby roared ashore on Sunday, Aug. 4. Brutal rains, accompanied by lightning and thunder slammed into the Siesta Key region. The large system also brought flooding. Tornado warnings were issued on Sunday evening, when a tornado passed through Gulf Gate Estates along with a strong thunderstorm. Local weather reports urged everyone in the path of the tornado to take cover.
During the height of the storm, Siesta Key was inaccessibile. A message
to residents posted on the Sarasota County website from Sarasota Utiliites stated: “On Sunday, Aug. 4, and Monday, Aug. 5, the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby caused a sanitary sewer spill at the Siesta Key Master Lift Station located at 5200 Oakmont Place. The station is operating normally as the flood waters have receded. A portion of the spill reached the Grand Canal. Cleanup, sampling, and regulatory reporting to the State was completed. The canal water sampling will continue
until levels have returned to normal.”
Most businesses in the Siesta Key and Gulf Gate region closed on Monday, Aug. 5. As the system moved north, rains continued in the Siesta Key and Gulf Gate region. After making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region near the Florida panhandle, Tropical Storm Debby grew into Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 system. By Tuesday, Aug. 6, much of the street flooding on the Key and in Gulf Gate had subsided and area businesses reopened.
Debby devastates sea turtle nests
By Makenna Anthos
Mote Aquarium has been working tirelessly assessing the profound impact Tropical Storm Debby had on sea turtle nests on Siesta Key beaches.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are one of the biggest threats to sea turtle nests as the aftermath of flooding can wash away the nests, expose the eggs to predators, and fill the hatchlings with an overwhelming amount of water. The impact from the recent storm can be seen from recent reports from Mote Aquarium.
The week ending July 20, Mote Aquarium reported that there was a total of 28 sea turtle nests on Siesta Key beaches. The week ending August 10, after 13.9 inches of rain in the region and significant storm surge, that only one nest remained.
As devastating as this is, sea turtles have learned there is strength in numbers. More specifically, sea turtles produce large quantities of eggs within numerous nests across large areas to increase the hatchling’s possibility of survival. Mote Aquarium also notes that exposed eggs should never be picked up. Instead, you should report a nest with eggs, or exposed eggs to the Mote Sea Turtle Convention Hotline (941-388-4331).
On a brighter note, even after Tropical Storm Debby, the commitment to the nesting season does not change for sea turtles as this past week, Mote Aquarium staff has reported new sea turtle track patterns, and hatches. Therefore, with one month left in the nesting season, be sure to keep your eyes open for these amazing visitors!
Boys take a walk on flooded Siesta Key street. (photo by Natalie Gutwein)
Sea turtle nest on Siesta Key beach from previous year. (photo submitted)
For local families plunged into the nightmare of childhood cancer, Sarasota’s Casting for the Kids offers fundamental financial support and, just as importantly, a supportive community.
Casting for the Kids has become a lifeline to families facing pediatric cancer along Florida’s west coast and beyond. The foundation helps by paying bills and buying gas for families, hosting tournaments, and lending support in hospitals.
Sept. 27 and 28, 2024, marks the fifth annual Casting for the Kids fishing tournament. This year, in addition to the usual paid-entry competition, the organization is hosting a free fishing outing for childhood cancer patients and their families. Local professional charter captains will donate their boats and their time to take those families out on the water at no charge.
According to co-founder Ben Shroyer, the organization’s goal is to make a difficult situation just a little bit easier. “Go fish. Have fun,” he said about the event’s intention. “You’ve been through a lot. Just relax and get away from the hospital for a while.”
Casting for the Kids has been shaped by its co-founders’ experiences with powerlessness.
Founders Shroyer, Matt Van Landuyt, and Matt Rebhan are
Casting and caring for families affected by pediatric cancer
all Sarasota fathers who met in 2018 when their children went through cancer diagnoses and treatment at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. Shroyer’s daughter, Hannah, went into remission and will celebrate her ninth birthday in October. Van Landuyt’s son, Clayton, passed away in 2019, two months shy of his fourth birthday. Rebhan’s son, Logan, died in 2020 at 18 months old.
The three families tried to channel their feelings of helplessness into a good cause. COVID thwarted their first fundraising effort, the beerthemed Brewing Up Awareness. Determined, the group pivoted to another passion, fishing, and set up a fishing tournament that raised funds in a safe, socially distanced way.
When they considered how best to donate the funds they raised, they realized how daunting it is to try make a dent in the global fight against cancer. “I remember talking to the Dick Vitale Foundation,” said Shroyer about his earliest lessons in cancer charities. “They raise millions and millions of dollars for research, and it’s a drop in the bucket still. What we were trying to do would have been a drop in a drop in the bucket.”
Their solution: take their grassroots fundraising efforts
by Hannah Wallace
directly to the people currently experiencing pediatric cancer. Shroyer said, “It would be a greater impact helping the families involved, and there’s not a whole lot of organizations doing that.”
Creating a charity was easier said than done, Shroyer admits. “There’s a lot of growing pains on my end,” he said. “The dos
and don’ts of nonprofits is astronomical. The beauty is, I’ve been taking a lot of nonprofit classes online, learning what’s going to make us better.”
The September 2023 fishing tournament drew 25 participating boats. This year, they are hoping for 40. According to Shroyer, Casting for the Kids, now a 501(c)3 organization, has
given nearly $70,000 to families in 2024 alone. In 2022, Matt Van Landuyt and his wife, Jamie, shifted their charitable efforts to their own foundation, Dancing with Clayton, in memory of their son.
“We’ve paid mortgages, rent, car insurance, utilities,” said Shroyer. “I’ve talked to car
Ben Shroyer, co-founder of Casting for the Kids, spending time with Omega. Shroyer and Kolton share some
Community Spotlight Siesta Key resident launches new streaming network
QThe Higher Realm Television Network, which you cofounded with Natalie Sutherland, a psychic medium who began The Higher Realm ministry, is a Sarasota-based streaming network that launched in July 2024. The network’s content includes your documentary films and docuseries, as well as Natalie’s daily meditations, messages, and talk show. What messages will viewers find in your documentaries on The Higher Realm TV?
AOur focus is to elevate the soul through conscious content. I believe that the medium of film is an effective tool to teach and awaken people and help them reimagine their world. I created a series of films that are up on the network now – transformational stories that offer hope and inspiration, with positive messages that viewers can apply to their own lives. For example, “Shambala Warriors” profiles some truly unique and special people. “Press Pause” features a series of interviews I conducted with experts in the field of consciousness and transformation, who talk about the value of making time in life –to simply pause!
QIn addition to your work as a documentary filmmaker, you are an ordained interfaith minister. You also hold a master’s degree in religious studies and a Ph.D. in consciousness studies. You’re also a professor and have been a successful actor.
How has your past training and professional experience shaped your filmmaking?
AMy career path – my life – has been a journey of exploration and learning. created opportunities that have taken me all over the world: New York, California, Vancouver BC, Asia, Europe, South and Central America, and more. I’ve had the honor of speaking at Yale University, and other venues. All these experiences, as well as the interactions that I’ve had with my documentary subjects, have shaped my world view and made me realize that where we focus our attention, our thoughts, our energy, creates the world we see. Because of this, the main focus of my work is how to consciously evolve and shift our perceptions. I also highlight the value of personal sovereignty, authentic connections, and love.
QWhat drew you to Siesta Key?
AI moved here in 2021. Siesta Key is such a special place. I’ve lived in Florida before and I always wanted to come back. It feels like home.
grad school in California, I knew I would come back. Before making the move, I explored Sarasota to investigate what sort of spiritual community existed here. I checked out the parks, organic food options, and holistic health practitioners. I also wanted to make sure there was an Eastern European deli in
support of the amazing Higher Realm community. We are delighted with how well it’s been received by the local community, and by Natalie’s international following. We’ve made it available as a streaming service for $11 a month, and the fee allows us to continue to develop new content.
What plans do you and Natalie Sutherland have for The Higher Realm Television Network now that you are online
We’re planning some interesting new will continue to create new messages and meditations, to interview guests on her talk show and livestream her Sunday Services. I have two documentaries and a documentary series in the planning stages. Right now, I’m editing a series called “Going Local: Discovering the Heartbeat in Your Hometown.” It focuses on love, connection, and passion for life through one’s relationship to local businesses and their owners. I believe supporting local business is very Getting involved in your community and feeling like you’re a part of your hometown is a foundation to being human. It is a key to cultivating love and support in life. This is what we have striven to create with The Higher Realm TV right here in Sarasota, and we’re taking it out
You can find us at thehigherrealm.
Robert C., Florida
This a cool little spot in a strip mall on Tamiami Trail. There's ample parking and a couple of tables outside under the store rooftop. Inside is a nice dining room and bar seating facing the kitchen. A small "market" with fresh fish and shellfish is located at the rear of the dining room. Very casual. We were in for lunch and there was only one server, but service was excellent throughout and she was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and products like the canned non-alcoholic beverages.
We started with Devon's Lump Crab Cake which lacks any filler as advertised. Basically held together with some mayo and served with a grilled lemon and house remoulade. Delicious! We took two home!
I ordered the grilled triple tail (any fresh fish available grilled or blackened) on a melt in your mouth brioche bun with a little tartar sauce. Excellent!
My wife went with grilled snapper tacos and she was very happy.
Of course, we saved room for the famous key lime pie which was undoubtedly the best key lime pie we have ever encountered.
They have a good wine list and beer selection as well as some interesting non-alcoholic choices! If you're looking for fresh fish, GO!
July 23 Bike Theft
Bike rental company advised that one of their E-bicycles was stolen the prior morning. The renter of the bike reported that he had the bike in front of his condo, and during the night at approximately 2 a.m., he moved it under some cover to protect it from the rain. When he came to check on the bike, it was missing. The bike was a black Aventon Level E-Bicycle with lights on the wheels as well as a front basket and a right handlebar mirror.
July 23 Vehicle Burglary Victim advised that he woke up to his vehicle’s alarm at approximately 4:48 a.m. Surveillance footage of his driveway showed a vehicle stop in front of his house, and soon after, his vehicle alarm went off. The footage also showed a flashlight moving from the stopped vehicle to the victim’s vehicle. Soon after the vehicle alarm sounded, the suspect’s vehicle left the area. The suspect apparently
Sherrif’s Report
opened the victim’s vehicle via the passenger side door. Victim did not believe anything was taken. The suspect’s vehicle was an older-model, tan vehicle. Pictures of the vehicle were taken, and investigation continues.
July 15 Burglary Manager of hotel advised that someone had broken into one of the rooms that is under construction. Upon observation of the room, Sheriff Deputy noted clear pry marks and the door strike had cracked the door jam. Clothing, food, drug paraphernalia, and a phone were found in the room, as well as some potentially stolen items. Photographs of the room were taken and nearby rooms were also checked. The estimated cost to fix the door is $300.
July 15 Check Fraud Victim reported that he mailed a check to a contractor, but it was apparently intercepted and later, the
payee information was altered, but the dollar amount was not altered. The check was fraudulently cashed. A copy of the altered check was provided to the Sheriff’s deputy.
July 10 Theft Complainant was at the beach most of the day and left his bag unattended on the sand. When he returned after 45 minutes, he was shocked to find that his wallet was missing from his bag, which contained his credit/debit card, photo identification and approximately $60.
July 9 Pill Theft Deputy was dispatched to a hotel where complainant advised he believed someone stole his prescription drugs in the early afternoon while he was out. Complainant believed that 20 pills were stolen, although pills remained in his pill organizer. There were no signs of forced entry, and the door to the hotel was locked.
VENUS MED SPA
CLARKE, LANDINGS RESIDENT
Out-of-Door Academy a century on
by Jane Bartnett
When students, faculty, and staff at the independent Out-of-Door Academy on Siesta Key began the new academic year in August, a new chapter in the school’s 100-year history began. Centennial celebrations for the college preparatory school kicked off last March with the Banyon Ball Extravaganza. A yearlong celebration of the school’s centennial followed.
Debra Otey, head of school at the Out-of-Door Academy, believes it is vital to celebrate the past and look back on the school’s history. “When the school opened in 1924 with 10 students on a 20-acre campus, it was a boarding school, and the children were allowed to bring pets. The tuition was $300,” she said.
Fanneal Harrison and Catherine Gavin, the women who founded what was then known as The Outof-Door-School, were advocates of a progressive education. During World War I, Harrison managed children’s health camps in France, and Gavin worked on reconstruction efforts in France and Belgium.
They learned of a progressive educational program devised by Ovide Decroly, a Belgian educator and physician. The Decroly method of teaching focused on learning in a natural environment. Harrison and Gavin based their new school on this premise.
At their private school, children learned and played outside. Students visited Siesta Beach to swim in the Gulf, rode horses, and had
classes outdoors. “They believed that some of the best teaching and learning happened out of doors,” said Otey.
Director of Enrollment Management Laura Murphy, who began as a first-grade teacher in 1989, spoke about the early years on Siesta Key. She said that as word spread about this new approach to early childhood education in the 1930s, notable people visited the school.
In the school’s lobby, framed photos of the founders, along with a framed copy of an Atlanta Constitution newspaper article titled “Outof-Door School on Siesta: Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream” that profiled school co-founder Harrison, serve as a tribute to the school’s rich history. “Thomas Edison, who had a
Thomas Edison visits the Out-of-Door School in the 1930’s. (photo provided)
Aerial shot of the current Out-of-Door
- Out-of-Door Academy head of school Debra Otey and director of enrollment management Laura Murphy, discuss the new school year. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)
Academy celebrates on Siesta Key
winter home in Fort Myers visited the Siesta Key campus,” said Murphy, “Eleanor Roosevelt also came to learn about the programs and to meet the young students.”
The original buildings were army barracks used as a dormitory. In 1933, a log cabin was built on the campus with the students’ help, considered a learning experience. In 1934, the Catherine Gavin Memorial Library was constructed with the support of faculty and students.
To create a path to the library, the first of many steppingstones were placed in the ground. Murphy explained that each child moving on to the sixth grade gets to design a steppingstone. “They tell a story,” said Murphy, pointing to the peace sign-themed stepping stones that
appeared in the 1970s.
The school continued to grow through World War II and beyond. In the 1950s, The Out-of-DoorSchool became a founding member of the Florida Council of Independent Schools. In 1976, the school was granted nonprofit status and changed its name to the Out-ofDoor Academy.
Another milestone came in 1994 when the Siesta Key campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A plaque stands in the center of the campus on a tall stone base.
In 1997, as enrollment grew, a new Lakewood campus was opened for grades 9-12, and in 2000, seventh and eighth graders began attending classes there. The historic Siesta Key campus became devoted to preK through fifth grade.
As the school year begins, the Siesta Key campus is filled with boys and girls who continue to learn in the manner that the founders envisioned. “We integrate outdoor activities into all our curriculum,” said Murphy. “We are on a barrier island and we have a responsibility to teach them about our ecosystem.”
This year, there are 267 pre-K through fifth grade students at the Siesta Key campus. The total enrollment of the entire Out-of-Door Academy stands at 865 students. Murphy noted that the student boy is about evenly split between boys and girls. As the new year began, a third campus opened for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grade 1 students called Clark Road. The Clark Road campus will add a new grade each year. “We are the only independent school in the area 100% funded by tuition and philanthropy,” said Otey. That philanthropy provides $2.5 million in financial aid each year, Murphy added.
In the coming months, the Siesta Key campus will host numerous centennial events including convocation ceremonies, Founders Day, and Founders Week. In the spring, students will participate in the annual Earth Day beach cleanup on Siesta Beach.
At the 100th year begins, Murphy reported that most grade levels are filled for the current school year.
“We’re starting tours for next year and taking applications for the 2025-2026 school year,” Murphy noted.
The entrance to Out-of-Door School (as it was originally named) in 1924. (photo provided)
Out-of-Door Academy campus. (photo provided)
Tommy Bahama opens in Davidson Plaza
By Jane Bartnett
Tommy Bahama, the iconic lifestyle brand that celebrates the best of island life, has arrived on Siesta Key.
On Saturday, July 27, Tommy Bahama staff members celebrated in tropical style with a festive ribbon cutting and welcomed their first customers to the new Davidson Plaza location. The spacious new clothing store offers casual coastal designs for men and women at 5132 Ocean Boulevard in the heart of Siesta Key Village.
Tommy Bahama is open seven days a week. Store hours are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Boatyard
Waterfront Bar & Grill closed
By Jane Bartnett
The popular waterside Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill restaurant has closed. Siesta Key real estate investor Chris Brown, who purchased the 2.03-acre Boatyard property that contains the restaurant and numerous small businesses in February 2024, closed the restaurant in May to begin an extensive remodeling project. Sitting at the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway at the foot of the Stickney Point Bridge on the mainland, the casual dining spot has long been a destination for visitors and residents alike.
Brown and partner Mike Granthon own the Above the Bar Hospitality Group. The company runs several Siesta Key’s most popular and successful restaurants including Summer House, The Beach Club, The Hub Baja Grill, MVP Siesta Key, and The Cottage. Above the Bar also owns other restaurants in the Sarasota region.
The Boatyard Village was built in 1983. Over the years, the location has had several different identities. Coasters was the last name of the restaurant before it
News Briefs
became the Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill in 2010.
The building, Brown reported, made it through Tropical Storm Debby with “no real damage.”
Signs of construction are visible at the restaurant property. Looking ahead, Brown said that when the renovation project is completed, it will reflect “a totally new look.”
Crystal Classic tickets now on sale
You can skip the lines and save a little cash by purchasing your tickets to the 2024 Crystal Classic online before Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m.
Ticket options include a 4-day pass or a one-day pass. The 4-day pass costs $40 Adult and $20 Children (ages 5-17). One day pass prices are: $12 Adult, $10 Senior & Military, and $6 for Children (ages 5-17). You can also purchase a parking pass for $55 a day. All tickets are nonrefundable.
Tickets will also be sold onsite.
The Crystal Classis is Nov. 15-18.
Chamber opens Little Library
By Jane Bartnett
Looking for a good free beach read? Look no further than the
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. The new, free Little Library now stands outside the Chamber’s front door at 5223 Avenida Navarra, one block from the heart of Siesta Key Village. Free books are available for lending and for donations day and night.
“The new Siesta Key Little Free Library is part of a worldwide organization,” reported Brittany Stokes, Visitor Center and Volunteer Manager, at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Find them on littlefreelibrary.org and download the Little Free Library mobile app to discover locations around the world.
Always free, children’s books as well as paperback and hardback books for adults can be found on the shelves at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Little Library. Siesta Key residents and visitors are encouraged to donate books so that the supply of reading material is always replenished.
Siesta Key resident Larry Landry designed and built the two-level wooden box by hand. When Siesta Key Visitor’s Center volunteer Tina Landry, who also serves as a beach ambassador on Siesta Beach told her husband about the project that the Chamber was launching, Larry volunteered to put his carpentry skills to work and he built the new library box.
Coyote Sighting on Siesta Key
Siesta Key resident submitted this photo taken by their Nest Camera of coyote in their driveway on July 29.
Caesar Salad … $20 With 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
Baby 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 Large 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
*Prices subject to change Outdoor Water front Dining!
Turtle Pie … $10
Key Lime Pie … $10
Sample Platter … $13
Ice Cream Bar … $7
Continued from page 1
talk and eat. It’s really nice but make no mistake – this is no vacation.”
Those beach visits were for “remembering what you want to achieve and thinking about your big goals and what small things you have to do to get to those big goals, and just enjoying it,” she explained.
Summer’s Sarasota Sharks coach Brent Arckey said Summer would frequently join her Sharks friends for stress-relieving breaks on Siesta Beach, after disciplined sessions in the pool.
“She loves being down here and being part of the community,” Arckey said.
“After their intensive work, it’s important for the kids to decompress. They spend a lot of time at the beach, the majority of it at Siesta. Summer does a really good job of staying high-performance oriented, but still knowing how to be a teenager.”
Arckey disclosed that discussions are under way for the Toronto area native
to return to the Sharks and continue her training. The young Olympian is considered a strong bet to compete again in the 2028 Los Angeles games.
Interviewed on Siesta Beach, Summer’s mom Jill – herself a former Olympic swimmer – said in another CBC interview: “I think she has a very tight circle of really good friends. And she’s surrounded herself with people who support her and lift her up. And she does the same to them.” And I think that’s a key success factor for Summer, is she’s always been deliberate about making sure that she is surrounded by people with like values and people who are supportive and that she can support and keeps it fun.”
Drawn by the Siesta Sharks’ international reputation for excellence in training young swimmers, as well as the year-round sunshine, McIntosh and her mom moved to the area to be with
Happiness is…Friends
It’s that time of year again, with kids seeing their new classrooms, learning about their new teachers, and reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Jerry and Jill Williams, owners of Abel’s Ice Cream, relish the sight of kids excitedly coming in after their first weeks of school, eager to share their new experiences. And what better way to share those experiences than with their favorite cup or cone?
This month Abel’s is featuring two of our customer’s favorites: Mint Chip (Refreshing mint ice cream with large, rich chocolate chips) Cookie’s n’ Cream (Scrumptious
the club.
At home in Canada, she is a superstar celebrity who first rose to fame at Tokyo’s Olympics at the tender age of 14. Time magazine called the 2024 Olympics “The summer of Summer,” and she was chosen to bear the flag for Canada at the games’ closing ceremony.
But Florida afforded her not only access to a world class training site, but relative anonymity, the ability to lead a normal life… and to start dreaming of gold.
“I’ve always been a kid that’s dreamed really, really big,” she said in her first post-Olympics interview, with Olympics. com.
In Paris, McIntosh won gold in the women’s 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley and 400-meter individual medley, and silver in 400-meter freestyle swimming. She became the first Canadian athlete to win
cookie flavored ice cream with crushed chocolate cookies in every bite!) These timeless selections are sure to sweeten your kids’ school days and autumn celebrations. Whether catching up with friends or creating new memories, a scoop of your favorite ice cream makes every moment more special.
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 www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
four golds in one Olympics, and only the second to win four medals in one Olympics. In the 400-meter freestyle, she beat out famed American swimmer Katie Ledecky.
After winning all those medals, McIntosh returned to her Canada home briefly, only to be summoned back to Paris to be her country’s flag bearer at the closing event. A week later, she celebrated her 18th birthday.
Training with the Sharks, McIntosh was in elite company. One of the nation’s top swimming clubs, it has been churning out champions for years. It is widely known for its rigorous program, and long training days, that produce results. Emma Weyant, another Sharks member, won bronze in the 400-meter individual medley at Paris.
Summer McIntosh will be just 22 when the Olympic flame is ignited in Los Angeles in 2028.
From the watery plains of Thailand to fishbowls and habitats across the globe, the Betta, also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, is a wonderful pet for those of us starting out on our aquatic journey. This hardy fish has a special organ that allows it to survive even in poor quality and low oxygen water, which can mean a more forgiving period of time between deep cleans (they still love a clean house!!!). Due to the Bettas’ territorial nature and its fighting spirit, they are often placed into a tank alone or with some more docile neighbors like the Corydoras Catfish or the Neon Tetra. Bettas prefer a varied, balanced environment to stimulate their mind. A five-gallon tank is plenty for a Betta and a couple of smaller friends. Plenty of hiding spots, like frilly plants or dark caves, as well as a good amount of open space can all help to keep the Betta comfortable.
Typical appearance and behavior
Bettas are known to come in a dazzling variety of colors and fin shapes, with the males being especially vibrant. You can be sure that any Betta you take home is totally unique and is almost certainly male.
• Bettas are considered very intelligent among pet fish species. They benefit from stimulation with new toys, changes to the environment, even exercise, and will thrive when they are entertained and happy. Scientists continue to study the Betta fish's behavior and intellect to this day!
• Bettas have the ability to sleep just about anywhere in their tank, and in just about any position! They can sleep on their side, upside down, even wedged in between things. Also, their coloration can fade while they sleep, which can trick even the human eye into thinking the worst! But the Betta knows that most fish don't want to eat anything that doesn't look bright and appetizing.
Vote for solid investment strategies
With the presidential election just a few weeks away, the public is naturally interested in not just the outcome but what the results will mean for issues of national importance. As a citizen, you likely share these concerns — but how about as an investor?
After the votes are counted — or even before — should you make some moves in anticipation of possible changes in policy?
Let’s look at the big picture first, through the lens of history. The financial markets have performed well — and at times, not so well — under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. And the same is true about which party-controlled Congress.
While it might be an overstatement to say that decisions made in Washington have no effect on the markets, it’s not always so easy to draw a direct line between
what happens there and how the markets perform. For one thing, political candidates often make promises that are not fulfilled, or, if they are, have different results than intended. Also, other institutions can have a significant impact on the markets. For example, the Federal Reserve, which controls short-term interest rates, can certainly affect many market sectors. And there will always be external events, such as foreign conflicts and even natural disasters, that can make shortterm impacts on the investment world.
So, rather than making changes to your portfolio in anticipation of what might happen if certain candidates get elected, or even in response to actual policy changes, look to other factors to drive your investment decisions.
These factors should include
the following:
• Your goals – You probably have short- and long-term goals you’d like to achieve. For your short-term goals, such as a wedding, a down payment on a house or a long vacation, you may want to invest in instruments that provide stability of principal. For your long-term goals, most important of which may be a comfortable retirement, you’ll need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments.
• Your risk tolerance – When you build and maintain your investment portfolio, you’ll need to accommodate your individual risk tolerance. All investments carry some type of risk, but you need to be comfortable with the overall risk level of your investments.
• Your time horizon – Where you are in life is an important
consideration when investing. When you are young and just starting out in your career, you may be able to focus more on growth, as you have time to overcome the inevitable short-term market downturns. But as you near retirement, you may want to consolidate any gains you may have achieved, and lower your risk level, by moving your portfolio toward a somewhat more conservative approach. Even in retirement, though, you will need some growth potential to stay ahead of inflation.
• Your needs for liquidity – As you invest, you’ll need to maintain an adequate amount of cash and cash equivalents in your holdings. Without this liquidity, you might be forced to sell long-term investments in case you have
unexpected expenses. In any case, when it comes to investing, you may want to pay less attention to what names are on the ballot — and instead “vote” for the longer-term strategies that reflect your needs and goals.
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
-- Advertorial --
Late-night calls are our specialty.
As an ArchWell Health member, you have around-the-clock access to a provider seven days a week, 365 days a year. Any time you have questions or concerns, you can reach out and get answers from a member of your care team. It’s just one of the many ways we help you live your best life, better. Visit ArchWellHealth.com or call (727) 870-3035 today to learn more.
Dreams to Reality- Driven to Succeed
TURNING TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH: SPA EXPERIENCE SIESTA KEY
Connie Lewis, owner of Spa Experience Siesta Key is on track to greatness. Connie has created an even more luxurious spa experience for her clients by adding treatment rooms, advanced aesthetic services, and body treatments to her already bustling beautiful spa. Situated right next to the world-famous Siesta Key Beach is what makes this Spa the perfect haven for all Relaxation seekers. anks to Spa Experience Siesta Key, we can all be pampered in style and leave feeling relaxed and revived.
So what is the story behind the success of this motivated spa owner and specialized therapist? Connie grew up and was educated in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her childhood was no ordinary experience. A er losing her father, Connie sought answers and then enrolled in the Yeshiva Academy, where she found healing, solace, com-
knew how she could nally move out of Worcester and change her life for the good.
It was a done deal. She decided right there and then. is was her vehicle to get her out of Worcester.
Soon a er graduating from Bancro School of Massage erapy, she chose Sarasota, Florida as her destination.
Connie began practicing massage therapy on Siesta Key at e Massage Store by renting a room. It was there she met a special person who would change her life and inspire her to take a chance and start her own business. Massage Experience Siesta Key was born!
Her journey was not without challenges, ve years later health conditions threatened to derail her progress, she had to take almost a year o to recover but Connie persevered and propelled her business to new heights. It was
Central to the expansion is the Harmony Room, a space cra ed to nurture serenity and connection. Here, dual therapists provide side-by-side facials and massage packages, cra ing an immersive atmosphere of relaxation and unity. With the addition of the Pevonia Botanica-chocolate Indulgence line, these treatments are a must-have service. Many rooms at Spa Experience Siesta Key have a painting or art piece echoing Connie's personal journey and legacy. With a keen eye for detail and professionalism, Connie and her team of Specialized therapists are poised to rede ne luxury and wellness in the Florida region.
e expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Connie and her team of een as they continue to serve their community with dedication and passion.
Mother’s Day is on the horizon, so check in-store or online for our Spa packages and Specials.
For information and reservations, please call: 941-349-4833 or visit us at SpaExperienceSiestaKey.com.
Turtle Continued from page 1
found floating on Memorial Day, is as lucky,” said Gretchen Lovewell, Mote’s strandings investigations program manager. “Without the help of Doug and Susannah, we wouldn’t have been able to have helped this turtle.”
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, loggerhead turtles can live up to 80 years. Females do not reach maturity until they are about 35. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the loggerhead is the state’s most common sea turtle.
Prior to her release at Siesta Beach on August 12, Mote affixed a Passive Integrated Transponder tag to the turtle.
The technology is similar to microchips used in pet dogs
and pet cats and will help identify Lil’ Dougie if she is found again.
After her recovery, the Mote team transported the now 154-pound, three-footlong turtle to the edge of Siesta Beach on a wheeled cart. They carefully lifted her and walked Lil’ Dougie into the water before it became deep enough for her to be released. As the group watched the majestic animal swim away, there were cheers and a few tears.
“It was just incredible to be part of this turtle’s rescue and then today witness her being released,” said Johnson, who attended the event. “She is a feisty thing,” said one Mote staffer after watching her enter the water and swim away. “She’ll be okay.”
LIVING ABUNDANTLY
Come experience Bay Village’s stunning and expansive renovation, where every detail was crafted to enhance the experience and beauty of this vibrant and caring community.
Please call us at 941.966.5611 to schedule a tour and learn more. Scan the QR Code to visit our website.
Lil’Dougie is heading home to the Gulf following her rescue and convalescence at Mote Marine. (Jane Bartnett photo).
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.
LOWEST PRICED SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE
831 SIESTA DRIVE
$800,000
Your own piece of paradise, on the north end of Siesta Key, with easy access to all the wonderful amenities in the Village and the world class Crescent Beach. Additionally - close to downtown
HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE
8201 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD
$4,125.000
Built by the esteemed boutique firm, NC Ferguson Construction of Sarasota, this home exudes timeless charm and the functionality of new construction. Your backyard retreat offers 62 feet of waterfront and a private beach. Set sail from your own boat dock with jet ski lifts and a 10,000 lbs. boat lift, granting direct access to Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. This home offers a total of 8,256 sq. ft., including 5,034 sq. ft. of air-conditioned living space and 2,256
Sarasota with exceptional dining, theatre, shopping and more. The old Florida cottage is ready for your personal touch or build your dream house in this prime location. This property is in the city limits so shorter term rentals are allowed . Great investment property.
Courtesy of Michael Saunders
LOWEST PRICED CONDO
1129 SEASIDE DRIVE, #40
$400,000
HIGHEST PRICED CONDO
6142 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #17N
$5,250,000
sq. ft. of covered balconies and patios. The residence features four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a separate home office on the second and third floors. On the spacious ground-level living space, you’ll find an additional custom-built bunk-bed room, a luxurious aprés-swim full bathroom, and a piano/entertainment room that can also be utilized as a private gym. This exquisite suite encompasses a sitting area/library and features two impeccably designed walk-in
with an expansive Quartz Island, overlooks the dining and living areas. Equipped with a six-burner Wolf stove and an array of Wolf appliances, this kitchen is a culinary masterpiece. Your Sub-Zero refrigerator and Asko dishwasher complete this epicurean haven. For grand gatherings, indulge on one of two patios with outdoor television monitors. Revel in your comprehensive outdoor kitchen, complemented by a custom exterior spiral staircase that leads to your garage ensures your vehicles are comfortably
Measuring a whopping 5,764 sq. ft. of living space, this two-story residence is the largest private condominium on Siesta Key. This glowing beacon received an extreme glow-up in 2018, an exquisite collaboration by local artisans Clifford Scholz Architects, Jackson & Associates Construction and Studio Santa Maria. The interior was stripped to the walls and completely re-built. Everything is new: electric, plumbing, HVAC, recirculating hot water, impact glass throughout with motorized shades, off closet lights. The two-car garage also received a makeover with speckled epoxy floor, spray-foam insulation, split A/C and dehumidifier. At the heart of the home is the open-concept living area consisting of kitchen, dining room, great room and sunroom with wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows. The well-equipped kitchen has SubZero refrigerator, freezer drawer and wine storage; Wolf induction range and chimney hood; Fisher & Paykel double dishwasher drawers; five-foot “The Galley”
Welcome to Sea Crest #40, your gateway to affordable luxury living on the stunning shores of Crescent Beach on Siesta Key! Nestled within the prestigious Sea Crest community, this charming retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience paradise without breaking the bank. This condo allows for easy access to the beach unlike any place on Siesta Key; walk out the door, and you’re steps away from touching the cool quartz sand! Sea Crest allows for one-week minimum rentals, and it is in the heart of Siesta Key, across the street from the island’s best
restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Sea Crest is one of the most desirable properties on Siesta Key due to only having 40 units, which gives the feeling of exclusivity as you enjoy your private beach and private pool without dealing with the crowds that come with your typical Siesta Key complex.
Courtesy of Coldwell Banker
morning bar and office. The massive 700-sq. ft. bedroom has wrap-around windows with the best views of the house. The closet has a center-island dresser, inside closet with Liberty safe and tiled laundry station with drain and curb. The bath has free-standing bathtub with jettedair full-body massage and double walk-in shower. The office has coffered ceiling and built-in storage. This level also has a 175-sq. ft. storage room. Courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s
Keeping it Real
By Natalie Gutwein
Impact of new statues on Florida homeowners
Wow, is it September already? It feels like this year has absolutely flown by. So much has been going on in the real estate world, especially here in Florida, that I’ve lost track of time! Not only are there major changes nationwide, but Florida has enacted several statutes, many of which went into effect July 1. These statutes are going to impact Floridians.
If you’ve ever sold a condo in Florida, you’re likely familiar with the challenges that led to Florida House Bill 1021. Florida law requires the delivery of several documents from the
HOA or seller to the buyer. Upon receipt, the buyer has three days to review and cancel. If the seller’s agent does not deliver every document, the buyer can cancel at any time until closing. Prior to this bill, homeowner associations were not required to keep an updated set of documents online—now they are. This change should significantly reduce the many phone calls and emails agents and clients used to make to track down these documents. Further information can be found at www.myfloridahouse.gov
Florida House Bill 1049 addresses flood disclosure.
Understanding insurance policies can be challenging. Florida has
experienced an influx of new residents who may not be familiar with the need for flood or wind coverage. Bill 1049 requires sellers to provide a clear flood insurance disclosure, informing buyers that homeowners insurance policies do not include flood damage. Additionally, under this bill sellers must disclose whether they have ever filed a flood insurance claim and if they have received federal assistance for flood-related damage.
Two new laws were signed to address various issues within our state’s property insurance market. House Bill 7073 aims to provide relief from soaring inflation and rising insurance costs by mandating a 1.75% decrease in
Natalie’s Numbers
Siesta Key / July 2024
Active listings 119 Days on market 225
Closing price to original price ratio 72.90% Avg. sale price $1,772,429 New listings 17
Number of sales 7
Mos. of inventory 21 Sold price by sq ft $695
insurance premiums for policies with coverage lasting 12 months, effective from Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. This reduction must be clearly listed as a separate line item on the bill’s declaration page.
Additionally, House Bill 1611 tackles concerns over insurance companies canceling policies and expands the list of authorized inspectors to include roofing contractors, allowing them to assess the remaining useful life of a roof.
“Squatting” is a pressing issue nationwide. Imagine returning to your property only to find that someone has moved in without your knowledge and refuses to leave. The previous law seemed to favor those unlawfully occupying the property, leaving homeowners with few options other than filing a lawsuit while the intruders continued living
there. House Bill 621 aims to help Florida property owners address this problem. Starting July 1, 2024, unauthorized individuals can be immediately removed by filing a complaint with the sheriff which eliminates the need for a lengthy court battle.
Finally, the My Safe Florida Home Program was granted $200 million to provide inspections and grants for wind mitigation and home improvement projects that will help reduce damages from wind and rain. This program gives matching grants to homeowners for replacing nonimpact windows and doors, roofs, and other items that are not up to current code. This significant investment by the legislature will save the state money in the future by reducing storm damage. These changes and more will hopefully ease the cost of living in Florida and make life in paradise just a little more perfect. If you have any questions about this or anything real estate-related, feel free to reach out to me at Natalie. gutwein@premiersir.com.
Stay sunny, Siesta! Natalie
(Natalie Gutwein is a licensed Realtor with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Judie Berger Team and a member of the board of directors of the Siesta Key Association.) (Data accurate as of July 10 from Stellar MLS.)
companies and gotten cars out of repossession, talked to landlords and stopped eviction. We want to make sure that these families don’t have to worry about paying their bills while they’re in the hospital with their kid.”
As a real estate agent, Shroyer has the flexibility to handle the day-to-day operations— including delivering funds and emotional support directly to the families as they receive care at All Children’s Hospital. Even when there are no client families to visit, Shroyer still comes once a month to drop off gas cards to a social worker, who then distributes them throughout the pediatric oncology wing. Shroyer’s daughter, Hannah, often comes along, too.
“I took Hannah with me to one of the families we help recently,” he said. “Their little boy is battling stage 4 neuroblastoma, just like Hannah did. She’s a beacon hope for these families.”
Unfortunately, heartbreak is also a part of this community. Casting for the Kids has paid bills for families who have been sent home from the hospital to live out their child’s last days in hospice. While Shroyer and Hannah often emphasize the importance of hope and healing,
Rebhan and his wife, Heather Woulfe, summon Logan’s memory to comfort—or just accompany—the bereaved.
Shroyer admits that his work with Casting for the Kids involves reliving his own daughter’s battle, creating traumatic reminders that other people, including his wife, Ginger, struggle with. Despite these challenges, Shroyer is compelled to fight the powerlessness he first felt when Hannah was in the hospital.
“For me, as a father, I couldn’t fix my daughter’s cancer,” he explained. “I can’t help being part of fixing the problem.”
While Shroyer continues to go through heartbreak every time a new family experiences loss, he also finds comfort in the shared hope of the Casting for the Kids community.
“This little girl, a leukemia patient, recently painted me a thank you card. It was really awesome,” he said. “But I was like, ‘This isn’t a thank you for me, this is a thank you for our donors.’”
With the girl’s mother’s permission, Shroyer had the card reprinted in bulk. He sends one to every new donor. Through heartbreak and hope, the community continues to grow.
Sebastian and Hannah Shroyer (9), enjoying spending time together playing.
