aiquiri o o
Captain Curt’s Village
KARAOKE PARTY EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY! see our ad on page
Entertainment Every Day, Every Night
K a rao k e
5
Why the world comes to Sarasota
Tues & Thurs
Captain Curt’s Village
©
SiestaKeyFitness.com FEBRUARY 2023| 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.us | COMPLIMENTARY
Onward, incorporation
County delegation moves initiative ahead with 3-1 approval vote, but local referendum wouldn’t be until November of 2024 By John Morton Midnight Pass, prior to being altered and eventually closed off in the early 1980s. (submitted image)
Legislature next for Midnight Pass issue By John Morton When Sarasota County commissioners agreed unanimously at their December retreat that cleaning-up Little Sarasota Bay was a priority, and that restoring Midnight Pass was central to that, Midnight Pass Society II sprang into action. The group, which for more than a year has been fighting to gain support in restoring the waterway, has raised funds, held informational meetings, made public presentations, sold merchandise, and otherwise beat the drum in every which way. Now, it has more than just desire and enthusiasm on its side. During the Jan. 12 Sarasota County Legislative Delegation meeting, state Sen Joe Gruters (who represents Sarasota County as part of District 22) asked for support to take the cause to Tallahassee during the upcoming session of the Florida Legislature. “He’s 150% on board, and wants this pushed,” said Scott Lewis, a local resident who reignited the Midnight Pass effort by creating a RESTORE MIDNIGHT PASS NOW Facebook page that has more than 5,200 followers. “Social media has made all the difference in the world,” he said. A previous effort by the original Midnight Pass Society never got much traction, and Lewis said a lack of public awareness played a role. Continued on page 22
• Village Map/business listings PAGES 24, 25 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 28 • Music Calendar PAGE 32 •Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 39 • Accommodations Map PAGE 47
It took 21 months to get there, but less than 15 minutes to make a pitch and get a vote. Clearly, the Save Siesta Key group that is seeking the incorporation of the island not only did its homework but had its ducks in a row as it received, with very little discussion, a favorable 3-1 vote of approval Jan. 12 from the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation for its bill to advance to Tallahassee. The county’s commission chambers erupted in cheers as the vote was cast, with only state Rep. James Buchanan voting no. He was among the three no votes at around the same time last year when the delegation shot down Save Siesta Key’s first attempt. As a result, it had to start over from scratch with a new feasibility study and fundraising effort. “We are so elated, so relieved,” Jodie Tierney, a Save Siesta Key board member, said afterward. “Democracy worked today. All we ask is that incorporation goes on the ballot so the residents can decide.” Favorable votes came from state Sen. Joe Gruters and state Reps. Fiona McFarland (who will sponsor the bill as the Key’s local District
Neighborhood ambassadors with the Save Siesta Key incorporation group celebrate with a collective “thumb’s up” outside the Sarasota County Administrative Center after receiving approval for their bill to be forwarded to the state’s upcoming legislative session. (submitted photo)
73 representative) and Mike Grant, a Port Charlotte resident and newcomer to the delegation the result of redistricting that saw him inherit part of Sarasota County’s southern tier in District 75.
Page 16
Page 12
Page 45
Page 37
An angler extraordinaire
A departure from the norm
Real estate column debuts
The best of bread
Redistricting also took two no votes from last year out of the equation in the form of state Reps. Will Robinson and Tommy Gregory.
Happiness is...Love Welcome to February – the month of all things romance and love! Nothing says love like a sweet treat from Abel’s Ice Cream.
Their friendly staff stands ready to help you impress your special someone with traditional flavors like awardwinning chocolate or vanilla. Or break the mold with their love-inspired holiday flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake (the ultimate classic cheesecake ice cream loaded with chunks of creamy cheesecake and a flavorful strawberry ribbon), or Cherry
Oblivion (creamy black cherry ice cream loaded with black cherries & luscious liquid chocolate chips). And, if you’re looking for just the right gift to surprise a good friend or loved one, check out Abel’s famous specialty chocolatier, Sweet Shop USA. Come into Abel’s Ice Cream and embrace the love. Life is too short to skip the celebration! 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
Continued on page 33
Noon-10 pm. Learn more at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. By the way, if a Valentine’s breakfast or lunch date is on your agenda, remember to head a few blocks north to the new addition of Abel’s family, and visit Simon’s Coffee House at 5900 S. Tamiami Simon’s Trail. At Simon’s vegan, vegetarian and omnivore palates will all coffee house feel the love! SARASOTA FL • EST 2001
1398