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MARCH 2025 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.us | COMPLIMENTARY
New advances in combatting red tide!
Rated the #1 Beach in the U.S.
By Jane Bartnett
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ould red tide have met its match? Perhaps, say scientists working in conjunction with MOTE Marine. At a January 29 MOTE press conference, Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory, joined scientists from MOTE and participating technology companies to demonstrate innovative, groundbreaking, tested and approved approaches to eradicating the Karenia brevis algae that causes red tide. These technologies, said Crosby, are now “approved for deployment. If we have red tide today, they’re all deployable.” There are, he said, “nearly two dozen technologies that we know will work.” More are expected to be approved soon. In a follow up announcement Feb. 20, Crosby said the technology had been tested successfully in canals in Venice
during a red tide outbreak that week. But he cautioned that it would still be some time before the innovation could be deployed in the open sea. Red tide, a natural occurrence, is defined as higher-than-normal concentrations of microscopic algae that flourish in ocean and coastal waters. It grows under the right conditions when waters are warm, calm and there are high nutrient levels. Harmful red tides, such as the devastating 2017-2018 red tide bloom that damaged Siesta Key and much of Florida’s southwestern shoreline, impact marine life, public health and a region’s economy. As a result of that red tide bloom, the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative was formed in 2019. Continued on page 34
On Feb. 19, TripAdvisor named Siesta Key Beach the No. 1 beach in the U.S. and No. 4 in the world. The beach’s powdery white quartz sand, clear water, stunning sunsets, relaxed atmosphere, and accessibility contributed to its top ranking. Siesta Key Beach was the only U.S. beach to make the world’s top 25 list. (Photo by Visit Sarasota County)
Sarasota County weighs voluntary demolition, height rules Comprehensive Plan changes may Allow condo rebuilds, adjust heights
In 2022, Sea Club V representatives sought guidance on voluntarily demolishing and rebuilding their 41-unit Siesta Key timeshare before disaster strikes.
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omprehensive Plan Amendments Could Enable Rebuilding of Old Condos Before Storm Damage, Address Height Allowances in Response to Updated Regulations In some cases, starting from scratch might
Page 27 and Visitor Center WELCOME GUESTS! 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
By ChrisAnn Allen
Beach Days Back With Friends
be the best approach. On February 5, Sarasota County commissioners continued discussions— initially launched in 2022—about proposed amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan and codes. These amendments
Page 18
An Irish Celebration
would allow multi-family, nonconforming structures—primarily older condominiums— to be voluntarily demolished and rebuilt in compliance with modern codes Continued on page 32
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Keeping Siesta Beach Clean
Happiness is…Refreshing Spring is here, and so is a refreshing new feel at Abel's Ice Cream! Owner Jerry Williams believes in providing the best for his customers, and he's putting his money where his mouth is. "Our customers deserve the best when they come in, and we’re going to provide it," Jerry says.
What better way to celebrate all these exciting updates than with a cup or cone of one of Abel’s featured flavors this month? Try their Stellar Coffee (Rich, decadent coffee ice cream with delicious fudge and mini dark chocolate coffee cups) or Mint Chip (Refreshing mint ice cream with large, rich chocolate chips.)
So, what’s new at Abel’s? They’ve upgraded with all-new, energy-efficient ice cream cabinets with LED lighting so customers can enjoy their treats in the best light. A brand-new drink cooler, coffee grinder, and espresso machine are also part of the upgrade, making every visit a treat from start to finish. And that’s not all—Abel’s has even ordered a custom chocolate cabinet to further sweeten the experience!
Head on down to Abel’s and enjoy the fresh flavors, the sweet updates, and the friendliest team in town! Abel's Ice Cream has been serving joy since 2011 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.
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