Things to do on and around Siesta Key
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Rent the fun at Robin Hood Rentals Scooters, carts, beach gear and more — all in one spot By Mackenzie Palmer
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The fun and excitement is just beginning when you climb into your “Scoot Coupe” from Robin Hood Rentals. (Photo provided)
n Siesta Key, there are plenty of things to do — but not everyone wants to lug a surfboard or kayak on vacation. That’s where Robin Hood Rentals comes in. According to its official website, “Robin Hood Rentals was born out of one man’s desire to make exploring and enjoying Siesta Key and the local area easier and more affordable for those that are visiting.” Located at 5255 Ocean Blvd., Robin Hood Rentals offers a wide variety of beach equipment and transportation options for rent. Visitors can also reserve gear online at robinhoodrentals.net or call (941) 554-4242.
Open since October 2009, Robin Hood Rentals has now been serving visitors for 16 years. Back when it launched, the peak season was primarily March and April. But ever since Siesta Key was named the best beach in America, the area has become busy nearly year-round. Today, Robin Hood Rentals also has locations in Anna Maria and Bradenton. Owner Mark Toomey moved to the area in 2007 from Nottingham, England — the legendary home of Robin Hood himself. Naming the business after the folklore hero seemed fitting for a company built on sharing resources with others. Toomey said he always wanted to do something different and fell
in love with Siesta Key. One day, he bought a few electric scooters and launched the business. Since then, he has continued rotating his inventory and expanding his offerings. After floods caused by hurricanes, Toomey lost nearly all of his equipment. In response, he gave away more than 100 bikes to local workers in the village — employees at restaurants and stores who were still on the job. Following the storms, Robin Hood Rentals didn’t reopen until December. “I had a guy outside the business renting golf carts, but the shop itself wasn’t repaired and open until late December,” Toomey said. Continued on page 9V
A Siesta Key August tradition:
CB’s annual 40% off clothing sale
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ttention shoppers: the holiday season isn’t that far away. The countdown has begun! As tradition dictates, within a matter of months, Santa Claus will be making his way through Siesta Key Village. Another Siesta Key tradition known by savvy shoppers that takes place at the end of every August is CB’s Saltwater Outfitters annual 40% Off Clothing Sale.
By Jane Bartnett Running this year from Thursday, August 21, through Sunday, September 7, it will offer shoppers at CB’s and sister store Fin Island Company, a chance to enjoy great savings on select clothing items at both stores. “It’s a great chance to start your holiday shopping,” said Aledia Tush, founder and co-owner of CB’s and Fin Island Company. “Jingle, jingle,” she said with a laugh.
Both CB’s and Fin have surprisingly large and spacious retail areas with excellent collections of warm weather clothing that can be right at home on a boat, at the beach, in the village or downtown Sarasota. The two shops are located at the foot of the Siesta Key south bridge, on Siesta Key. Tush began reminding customers of the annual sale event in July. “As Continued on page 9V
Aledia Tush, founder and co-owner of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters with a display of casual dresses at CB’s. (All photos by Jane Bartnett)
SIESTA KEY
SWIMWEAR RESORT WEAR ACCESSORIES
1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545
DOWNTOWN
50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800
LONGBOAT
3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288
www.SwimCity.com