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JULY 2025 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.us | COMPLIMENTARY
Happy 4th of July!!!
Beautifying Siesta: A vision takes root The Siesta Key Beautification Alliance is working to elevate the rest of the Key to reflect the pristine standard of its top-ranked shoreline
By Natalie Gutwein
I
f you live on Siesta Key, you know firsthand the toll last year’s storms took on our island. After the hurricanes that swept through unexpectedly, we were left to patch roofs, replace fences, and rebuild parts of the island we love. But amid the debris, something powerful began to emerge, a unique voice from residents, business owners, and even visitors, all echoing the same message – Siesta Key needs attention. That message came up everywhere: at Siesta Key Chamber meetings, Siesta Key Association gatherings, even during casual conversations and realestate showings. People weren’t just noticing the
damage— they were noticing the potential for something better. That’s exactly how the Siesta Key Beautification Alliance (SKBA) was born. From Conversation to Action The SKBA is made up of residents, merchants, property owners, and representatives from both the Chamber and the Siesta Key Association. I personally jumped into this project because I wear both hats – a homeowner and a business owner – and I believe a homeowner and a business owner - this could be one of the most transformative efforts Siesta Key has ever seen. Continued on page 27
For more information on the Fourth of July community fireworks celebration on Siesta Beach, turn to page 8. (Photo provided by Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce)
Siesta Key Chamber Gets New Leader By Jane Bartnett
T
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Firstenberger in the chamber’s visitor information area. Photo by Jane Bartnett
he Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce has a new leader. In early June, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Eric Fleming announced the appointment of Sarah Firstenberger as the organization’s new CEO. Firstenberger steps into the role that was held for nine years by Executive Director Ann Frescura, who retired this spring.
“Sarah is uniquely equipped to guide the Siesta Key Chamber into an exciting new chapter,” said Fleming in a statement that was sent to members of the organization. “Sarah joins us with an impressive background in marketing, events and community engagement and a passion for connecting people, places, and purpose. A Sarasota local, Sarah brings more than a decade of
experience in audience engagement and experiential programming, most recently serving as director of marketing and events at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.” During her time at the Community Foundation, Fleming reported, Firstenberger “developed strategic marketing campaigns to communicate the foundation’s impact across diverse Continued on page 30
Page 18 and Visitor Center WELCOME GUESTS!
July is National Ice Cream Month
Page 10
Snook Happens
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Siesta Sand Traps
Let us help you plan your lodging, dining, shopping, and activities! Call or Stop by the Visitor Center 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-349-3800 SIESTA KEY
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