Turtle’s is still a relaxing getaway, even for Siesta locals
TBy Hannah Wallace
o the rest of the country, Sarasota is a getaway spot. To mainland Sarasotans, Siesta Key is an island paradise. But now that the Village is a bustling shopping and dining district fed by nearby hotels and condos, does Siesta still have anywhere that maintains its traditionally chill, outof-the-way vibe?
Yes, it turns out. Just 5 miles south on Midnight Pass Road. Believe it or not, Turtle’s on Little Sarasota Bay, located just east of Turtle Beach, is one of only two waterfront restaurants on Siesta Key. The other, Ophelia’s on the Bay, is a fine dining spot; whereas Turtle’s, far from fancy, remains a relaxing getaway for when the north end of the island isn’t “away” enough.
Gulf Gate has become Sarasota’s own United Nations. Neighborhood restaurants, such as Kolucan, Divan, Lovely Square, and L’Opera Bakery Bistro, have attracted visitors who are drawn to their international cuisine. The bohemian vibe and mix of cultures have also created a place where specialty boutiques have found their niche.
Two Gulf Gate specialty shops, SAS Sail Away Studio, Coastal Chic Boutique on Gateway Avenue and Clarabell Cookies on Superior Avenue, joined the growing roster of thriving, young businesses that have opened in the past few years. Both are adding new vitality and energy to the neighborhood that continues to entice visitors and locals alike.
Of course, anyone familiar with the Sarasota restaurant scene knows that even the most idyllic dining spots can close due to mediocre food and poor service.
Fortunately, Turtle’s longtime general manager Alex Ortega believes that freshly prepared dishes and happy staff are what have kept his restaurant successful for 38 years. And Ortega would know: He’s been there for 36 of them — from dishwasher in 1988 to line cook to chef to floor manager to GM, and plenty of other positions in between.
“To be honest, we treat our guests well and our employees. That’s one of the big differences,” he said. “Being in this industry throughout the years, I’ve learned from others how people mistreat
Shop Gulf Gate, See the World
Clarabell Cookies Superior Avenue in Gulf Gate is home to Clarabell Cookies, a fastrising star in the cookie world. The sweet shop first opened on Mall Drive in 2021. This spring, owners Clare and Gates Jerome, a brothersister baking duo, made the move to Superior for more space, their own kitchen and greater visibility. Their new location has been good for business. “My brother and I started Clarabell Cookies with zero experience and big dreams. As for the name, my family used to call me Clarabell, and that’s how the name came about,” Clare reported while standing in her new brightly colored shop decorated in a French country style.
The idea for Clarabell Cookies took shape during the COVID outbreak in the darkest days of 2020. While working in finance
By Jane Bartnett
in New York City and living in Manhattan, Clare began perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe. She would bake a batch of cookies in her apartment kitchen and bring them as a gift to the doormen who worked at apartment buildings in her neighborhood. They encouraged her to sell the cookies. When Clare suggested the idea to her brother, he agreed. The pair took a road trip to Siesta Key, left their past lives behind in New York and Boston, and decided to launch their new business in Gulf Gate.
“Many thanks to my doormen for helping me perfect that cookie for a year,” Clare wrote on the Clarabell Cookie Facebook page.
On opening day, the duo sold more than 200 cookies. Word of the delicious handmade cookies traveled through the Gulf Gate community and beyond. In addition
to planning for their expanded re-location in Gulf Gate, they also began selling online through their website. Clarabell Cookies is now famous around the world. “We’ve sent out thousands of cookies as far as Guam,” said Clare. In June, they shipped more than 5,000 sweet treats to their customers.
Area coffee shops have signed on, and Clare reports that they are also selling wholesale nationally. Using their social media skills to tell their sweet story, Clarabell Cookies has 30,000 Instagram followers.
The delectable treats are offered in 12 flavors, including double dark chocolate, snickerdoodle, cinnamon roll, vanilla sugar, oatmeal raisin, walnut chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip, espresso chocolate chip and peanut butter chip brownie. The walnut
their employees, trying to get good service. You’ve got to make sure you keep them happy, then you get good service out of them.”
As the person in charge more often than not, Ortega now takes that responsibility upon himself first. “Sometimes I go to the store, get them a treat, like some chicken wings — we’ll cook them right here. Those little things matter a lot,” he said.
And occasionally the not-so-little things: One Friday this summer, Ortega allowed one of his servers to keep working the lunch shift while he himself went out to change and replace the employee’s tire. “They’ve been here so long, even the new hires we get are friends [of
chocolate chip cookie remains the classic that launched their brand, but new recipes such as the funfetti gluten free cookies are also
Alex Ortega, the general manager of Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay, posing on the restaurant’s back deck. The location is one of only two expanded-view waterfront dining settings on Siesta Key. (Submitted photo)
Clare Jerome, co-owner of Clarabell Cookies with a new batch of cookies at her new store on Superior Avenue in Gulf Gate. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)
Arts on the Horizon
Highlights at the Sarasota Art Upstairs-Artists Collaborative
Behind the blue door at 1369 Main St., a collective of 11 artists work across multiple media. They are called the Sarasota Art Upstairs-Artists Collaborative. The public is invited to visit their eight studios on First Fridays of the month between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and on Second Saturdays of the month between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
By Rodger Skidmore
One of the studio members is Sarasota native Erica Ferguson, who owns Evergreen Home. Ferguson creates art pieces out of native plants. There’s nothing like a bit of calming green or multi-hued flora to serve as a focal point in your home. Some of Ferguson’s works look like secret mossy glens, while others might have been inspired by drone sightings of green rivers, taken from a thousand feet above their glorious windings.
More nature-inspired art at the collective can be found at Driftheory. Stop by Driftheory, which sells driftwood and small shells encased in resin and turned into jewelry. You can wear these resin pieces as earrings or around your neck on a lovely chain. In the studio, there are drawers of shells, each labeled with the specific beach at which the shells were found.
Swing by Studio 6 and view Zen Zaahir’s murals, paintings, etchings and other works of art. In 2022, Zaahir won a Best of Ringling award during her time as a visual studies student at Ringling College. Zaahir’s travels have shown her the beauty of differing ethnicities — and she brings them to life here in Sarasota with her art.
Theater: “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” and “The Outsider”
Last August, Florida Studio Theatre put on Ken Ludwig’s play, “A Comedy of Tenors.” It was outrageously funny. Other comedies by Ludwig have played in theaters from Venice to the North Trail.
This August, “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” is showing at FST’s Keating Theatre. It is a more serious play that follows Jack and Louise’s letters to each other during World War II.
The play is based on Ludwig’s parents. In real life, Louise destroyed the letters after the war. Ludwig’s play is based on what he thought his parents might have written in their letters. So, a made-up story or a remembrance of things unseen?
Jordan Sobel and Maggie Lou Rader, who play Jack and Louise, create their own perspectives (with wonderful help by director Kristin Clippard) of how these two might have acted while writing, waiting for, receiving, and reading those letters. There is still time to see this play between now and the end of its run-on Aug. 11. Before the performance, have a nice meal at FST’s Green Room in the lobby of the Keating Theatre.
We’ve seen Kevin Kline as president in “Dave” and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in “Veep,” but are we ready for Ned Newly to run for governor? This is the question posed by Paul Slade Smith’s play “The Outsider.” Within the play, most think Newly would make the worst candidate ever but maybe they should let the people (us, the theatergoers) decide. “The Outsider” runs at FST’s Gompertz Theatre now through Aug. 18. More information at floridastudiotheatre.org.
Art on view at the Sarasota Art Museum
Circus performers juggle and spin plates through the air and on long poles. But who makes the plates, and should they be juggled? Molly Hatch has not juggled plates but has been spinning her potter’s wheel and throwing plates as a ceramic artist for nearly 20 years.
Hatch has an installation called Amalgam at the Sarasota Art Museum, in the old Sarasota High School Building on Route 41. There are many considerations
made when putting together an installation of plates: diameter, thickness, curve from center to edge, material, color, orientation of design, depth of glaze, and number. How many plates to display? Perhaps that is determined by the size of the museum’s walls. Or to be more current, some algorithm based on the mean diameter of the plates, size of wall, distance of viewers from surface of display area, average height of viewers’ eyes, and the extension of the inverse coordinator of the optic variance. Plus, of course, taking into consideration the algorithm that determines the distance between plates when placed on the wall (an iterative process). The result of Hatch’s calculations comes to over 450 plates. Amalgam is on view until April 2026.
Sarasota Art Museum also features a joint work by multimedia artist Anne Patterson and composer Patrick Harlin. Their work “The Truth of the Night Sky” combines seeing, hearing and feeling. This immersive installation will draw you in, as you move through time and space, while traversing the galleries through Sept. 29. More information on both exhibits is available at sarasotaartmuseum.org.
The Siesta Key community was shocked and saddened over the sudden passing of popular musician Zack Yoder on July 5. Yoder was well known as the frontman for the Zack Yoder Group and was part of the popular The Whole Band that plays at Blasé Café on Fridays.
Yoder was born and raised in Sarasota and at an early age started a love affair with music. He began his music career playing with the Bethel Gospel Players.
Eventually he formed the Zack Yoder Group which he was lead vocalist, guitarist, and bassist. The band’s sound
was a mix of rock, blues, and folk and was consistently playing on and around Siesta Key. He developed a loyal following of fans that would follow him to different venues.
Yoder was also known for his generosity and mentorship to other young musicians by offering guidance, support, and encouragement. His influence and contributions to the many other musicians he worked with will have a lasting impact on the local music scene.
This kindness and compassion came natural to Yoder. He was
ACCOMMODATIONS
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PNC ATM Map-C #61
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The Beach Club Map-D #22
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COFFEE SHOPS
Bean Coffeehouse Map-D #62
Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company Map-B #31
Project Coffee.....................................Map-D #9
FASHION & ACCESSORIES
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Blvd. Beachwear Map-B #30
Casa Smeralda Fashion’Style D #12-11
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Sandbar Swimwear............................Map-B #50
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Southern Tide.....................................Map-D #60
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Circle K Store Map-E #6
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also a certified
Zach Yoder (Photo
chaplain and would visit and counsel patients and friends with addictions.
The impact Yoder’s life and music had on other musicians and fans were shared on his Facebook page. Here are a few of the tributes:
Kevin Thompson: Our brother Zack has been a light and a musical inspiration for all of us who has had the privilege of sharing the stage with him. I am so grateful for “The Whole Band” and will never forget the musical boundaries we dared to cross.
He was truly one of a kind! And my heart will always have a little Zack in it.
RJ Howson: Sometimes
you get news you just don’t want to believe. Brother Zack Yoder was a true brother and good soul … gone way too soon … lots of good memories with him.
His childlike gifted spirit was infectious and refreshing and he will be missed by many. We had many guitar and music talks and I thought of him fondly like a little brother.
Kimberly Shea Love: I am absolutely heartbroken! RIP Zack Yoder! You blew my mind every single time you played! You will be missed so, so much! Yoder was 31 when he passed away.
MARKETS/FOOD STORES
Circle K Store Map-E #6
Morton’s Siesta Market Map-C #25
MASSAGE
Hands of Light Massage Map-B #35
Spa at Calle Minorga Map-E #74
Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62
MEDICAL - DENTAL
Siesta Village Dentistry Map-D #63
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MISCELLANEOUS
Chamber of Commerce Map-D #67
Prime Audio Video Map-E #1
Roberti Enterprises Map-A #39
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Attorney Fleming Map-E #1
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Smith Architects Map-E 74
REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES
Amy Robinson RE Map-E #1 Beach Palms B-74
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EXP Realty Map-E #4
Judith Guzzi & Assoc Map-E #74
Keller Williams Real Estate Map-D #11
Michael Saunders Realty Map-E #72
ReMax Alliance Group Map-C #29
RentSiestaKey.com Map-D #9
Robasota Rentals & Real Estate
(Photo by Bosk Photos)
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799
Tarpon will move into estuaries this month. You may also find juvenile tarpon in creeks, canals and turning basins.
Reds should be schooling on shallow flats and big trout will prowl the same waters at dawn. Also, look for trout on deep grass flats mixed with blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and more. Catch and release snook fishing should be good around lighted docks at night or in the surf. Look for false albacore (little tunny) to possibly show up in the coastal gulf later in the month.
Tarpon addicts will still be able to get their fix this month. You should still find a few tarpons in the coastal gulf early in the month.
Drifting live baits or casting flies, DOA bait busters, DOA shrimp and DOA 4” CAL shad tails should all work. As tarpon thin out along beaches, they will move to inside waters where you may find them schooling around bridges or rolling on deep grass flats. They will also feed in schools of ladyfish that are feeding on the surface. You should also find juvenile tarpon from 10 to 30-pounds in creeks, canals, turning basins and around dock lights. Your snook tackle will work fine for smaller tarpon although you’ll need a leader of 40 to 50-pounds to keep them from going through it. Fly anglers should score with 8 or 9-weight fly rods, floating or sink tip lines and scaled down tarpon flies.
You’ll find snook around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW and in the surf. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, DOA Shrimp or CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms should all work well. The same lures and flies will work at night and in the surf, although you should be observant of what size baits are in those areas.
Reds should school up this month, although their numbers have been thinner for the past couple of years. You should find them on shallow flats where they’ll be easier to find when the tide is low. Look for “nervous” water when it is slick calm or a slick patch of water when there is a ripple on the water. They may push a wake that looks like a boat wake. I try to be as quiet as possible in shallow water, poling to locate them. Once you’ve located a school of reds, try to get ahead of them to intercept them, much like tarpon fishing. If you work around the edges of the school, you may be able to catch a few of them before they spook. We often also find big jacks, blues and other predators in the mix along with reds. Top water plugs and fly poppers or Gurglers may draw some big bites. The DOA PT-7 top water bait and 4” CAL shad tail should both work well on schooling reds.
Trout fishing should be good this month. You may find a big trout in skinny water at first light. Focus on mullet or bait schools to find them. Top water plugs, fly poppers or Gurglers should be very effective at that time of day. In my opinion it’s important to protect larger
trout, which are usually female breeders. Handle them gently, since they may be full of roe. I like the same areas for big trout that I like for reds. Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at https://myfwc. com/.
After it gets bright and starts to warm up, drop out to deeper grass flats (4’ to 8’) for trout and more. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms or an Ultra Hair Clouser fly fished on a sink tip fly line. I make a series of drifts to locate fish and then shorten the drift or anchor depending on conditions. Ladyfish may feed in glass minnow schools and if they stay up long enough, it will attract trout, blues, mackerel, tarpon or sharks. Wide profile plastic baits or flies fished slowly around the edges of breaking fish will help keep ladyfish off your lure or fly and give you a chance to catch a tarpon. When blues, Spanish mackerel or sharks are in the mix, add 6” of wire or heavy fluorocarbon. Also look for tripletail around crab trap floats, buoys or channel markers in inshore waters this month. A CAL shad tail or DOA shrimp rigged weedless or my Grassett Flats Minnow fly with a weed guard should get the job done.
You might find false albacore (little tunny) or Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf this month. Look for baitfish to find them. The Tampa Bay ship channel is often one of the first areas where I find them this time of year. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow,
poppers or Crease flies should all work well. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs and shad tails. You’ll need to add wire or heavy fluorocarbon when toothy fish are around.
Even though it is one of the hottest months of the year, there are lots of options this month. I usually tarpon fish as long as I can either in the coastal gulf or in inside waters. An early start
for snook or tarpon around lighted docks or bridges and then on the flats for reds, trout and more is a good option. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
AUGUST 2024 TIDE CHART
August
in the dark. Emaly Rivera and Isaac Lee , from GA, caught and
tarpon
while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Tripletail may show up in inshore waters in August. This one was caught and released on a DOA Shrimp last August by Capt. Rick Grassett.
There should be good action on deep grass flats for a variety of species during August. Jim Dempsey, from IL, caught and released this blue on a DOA Deadly Combo while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous August.
Gulf Gate
Continued from page 1V
poppy seeds and a homemade lemon glaze was created as a salute to the sunshine state.
The tempting flavors of these large cookies that are big enough to share made headlines. SRQ Magazine called them the “best cookies hands down!” Sarasota Magazine trumpeted their arrival in Gulf Gate soon after they opened and pronounced Clarabell Cookies the “best cookies in town.”
Clarabell Cookies at 6564
Superior Avenue, Gulf Gate is open Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Clarabellcookies.com. Free shipping is available nationally and available through Door Dash and Uber Eats. Phone: 941-923-1742.
SAS Sail Away Studio, Coastal Chic Boutique
On Gateway Avenue, colorful and unique “Euro-chic” women’s wear and accessories imported
from Europe fill the welcoming SAS Sail Away Studio, Coastal Chic Boutique. Nestled between the Natural Apothecary Shoppe and The Skinny Dip Frozen Yogurt Bar, this charming port of call is owned by Martha Smith, a well-known Siesta Key artist who made her name as the owner of The Gallery on Siesta Key. Smith has a loyal following of Siesta Key residents and visitors who enjoy visiting her new Gulf Gate venture.
In 2020, as the pandemic began, Smith returned to her New England roots and opened a boutique in Newport, Rhode Island called Sail Away Studio. Longing for her many Siesta Key friends and fellow artists, Smith decided to come back and open a new women’s boutique here. While hunting for a storefront, she became intrigued with the many international restaurants
that were opening in Gulf Gate and breathing new life into the neighborhood. “This neighborhood has become a Euro-centric spot ,and we fit into this vibe,” she said. “So many of my Siesta Key friends found me right away.”
Visitors and locals alike from Siesta Key, the Gulf Gate and Sarasota area are drawn to the shop that is filled with imported, colorful coastal cotton and linen designs in dresses, pants and tops as well as women’s bathing suits from France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Italian handbags and leather goods from Florence in rich shades of blue, orange and pink are displayed along with small European gift items. Straw hats and bags are artfully placed throughout the store.
and are reminiscent of European beaches. Any of the designs could easily be worn on the beaches and streets of Capri, Nice, the Costa del Sol, Siesta Key or Sarasota.
During her annual shopping pilgrimage to Europe, Smith shops for her boutique in Paris, Milan, Florence, Sorento and Greece. “I have good relationships with a number of European vendors,” she said. Smith also carries a line of Susan Shaw jewelry. Handmade in Texas, the earrings, necklaces and bracelets have a delicate, distinctly European look. “Shaw has a loyal following,” Smith reported.
For August, SAS Sail Away Studio is featuring “Toasty Tuesdays.” Every Tuesday, Smith is inviting customers to enjoy a glass of champagne as they shop. She will also extend a special offer to customers who
agree to visit the shop with 10 or more people on a specific day and time. The group leader will receive a 10% discount off their own purchases during the visit. As they shop, the group will enjoy champagne and Smith’s specially made hors d’ oeuvres.
“People come in and know they’ll find something different here.” Smith believes that women should look fabulous every day. “I’m bringing dressing up back. If you look great, you feel great.” Follow SAS Sail Away Studio, Coastal Chic Boutique on Instagram @SailawayNewport. Call 508-971-4410 and visit the store at 6612 Gateway Avenue, Gulf Gate. Hours are 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
Well known Siesta Key artist and former gallery owner Martha Smith, in her SAS Sail Away Studio, Coastal Chic Boutique, Gulf Gate. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)
current employees],” Ortega said. “They know we treat them good. It makes for good service here, always friendly.”
Ortega also credits Turtle’s longstanding commitment to fresh, quality food: daily fish deliveries (Turtle’s is famously open 365 days a year), fresh-chopped vegetables, house-made sauces, and if it can be made to order — like the waterfront restaurant’s obligatory fish and chips — then it will be.
Some dishes, like the white winepoached salmon pasta, have been on the menu for decades. Others, like jambalaya with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, represent Turtle’s openness to new flavors — even after so many years of success.
And on such a varied menu, there’s one thing that ties all the flavors together: “We don’t do frozen,” Ortega said. “We don’t take them out of the freezer and drop them in a fryer, or put things in a bag and then heat them in a microwave.”
As much as the staff, the food, and the setting itself have led to Turtle’s longstanding success, the
quietness of the south Key has continued to keep it hidden from many tourists and community members.
“A lot of people, they actually live here in Sarasota, and they still don’t know we’re here,” said Ortega.
“Then they finally find us, and they say, ‘We always go to the right!’” — the common path off the bridges and north to the public beach.
But go to the left, Ortega likes to explain, and you’ll eventually find not just Turtle Beach and its unspoiled settings, but Blind Pass and its lagoon-like terminus, plus kayak rentals, a public pavilion, Turtle Beach campground, and even a marina where you can dock your boat before heading to Turtle’s for a meal and a beverage or two.
Frog Hop that can bring tourists as well as residents down; or the changes to campground policies that mandated shorter rentals and more turnover, ultimately allowing more people to experience natural Siesta Key for the first time.
“It’s still pretty quiet down here,” said Ortega. “There’s only like residential neighborhoods that have been built, nothing like the condominiums and hotels up there.”
As Siesta Key’s reputation has spread, its visitor numbers have grown, and its northern end developed to controversial levels, Ortega has seen only good developments down at his end of the island — like the trolley and the
And whether folks are fresh off the beach, off the boat, or just out of the Village bustle for a bit more space, Turtle’s is still Siesta’s waterfront, dining-and-hangout spot for the flip-flops and shorts crowd — just as it’s always been.
“We’ve been here the whole time,” said Ortega.
DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE
With our map on the next page you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.
The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail.
Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-7) has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.
West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. 941-554-8905. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food, Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works ... dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot.
Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-34): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.
Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar, offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com. Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. - Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).
Roberts Realty, Inc. (M-5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. For buyers, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. For sellers, over the years we
have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. Our philosophy is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.
Only Eyes Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.
Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center (GG39) Serving the area since 1975, this lively critter emporium features 10,000 feet of showroom, 25,000 gallons of freshwater, saltwater and coral, and adventures galore.
Hours are Monday-thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 am. 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods and Grocery (GG-37) A fixture in Sarasota for 32 years, Scandinavian Gifts offers an assortment of linens, glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, food items, and Christmas collectibles. Located at 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10
a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Skinny Dip (G-26) Established in 2020. The Sarasota Skinny Dip location is a family-owned business, with husbandand-wife Alex and Sorelly, and their kiddos, Sophie and Noah. The business specializes in letting you make your frozen yogurt the way you want it! We specialize in Skinny8 Froyos, which are only 8 calories per once! Also available vegan and low-fat options so that all Dippers can, well, dip!
Apothecary Shoppe (GG-28) Eric and Laurie’s knowledge of pharmaceuticals and natural/holistic remedies enables the safe integration of traditional and natural therapies. Their organic skincare line is compounded on site by Laurie who started her career as a make-up artist for the Today Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more. Eric is a pharmacist and also certified in naturopathy, wanting the best natural options for his clients. Open M-F 10-5 pm, Sat 10-3 pm.
L’Opera Bakery Bistro (GG1) This French bakery and pastry restaurant has a great dedication to freshness with sweets and breads baked on site. Also features salads and sandwiches along with homemade macaroons and chocolate. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday thru Sunday. Located at 2336 Gulf Gate Drive. Call 941-922-2253.
