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Sand sculptors, unite! Famous Crystal Classic festival set for Nov. 11-14 on Siesta Beach By Hannah Wallace
Andy Daily, director of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, displays in the Village one of his creations as this year’s event nears. It’s Nov. 11-14 at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Rd. For tickets, visit siestakeycrystalclassic.com. (submitted photo)
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival is back again this month, Nov. 11 through 14. The annual event, which returned last year after a pandemic-related hiatus, showcases professional sand sculptors from around the world, working their magic on — and with — Siesta Key public beach’s own famous quartz sand. “This year’s going to be even better,” said secondyear organizer and professional sand sculptor Andy Daily. Twenty-four total professional, international competitors (eight soloists and eight teams of two)
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will have three eight-hour days and one five-hour day to create their sculptures from more than 15 tons of sand piled in their allotted competition space. The 2022 professional contest will be judged by a panel of professors from Ringling College of Art and Design, with winners announced Sunday at 3 p.m. Daily hopes that the distinguished judges help to illustrate the artistic integrity of the event. “Ringling is one of the most prestigious art schools in the United States,” he said. “Even though (sand sculpting) is temporary, these artists know that their Continued on page 32
There goes the sun
Save Siesta Key incorporation team to conduct straw vote By John Morton Save Siesta Key is conducting a “straw vote” by mail in hopes of demonstrating that a majority of Siesta Key residents want the opportunity to vote on whether to incorporate the island. In November, a nonbinding ballot will be sent to all registered Siesta Key voters. Last year, the local Sarasota County Legislative Delegation – which shot down the incorporation effort in a 3-3 tie vote -- strongly encouraged that Save Siesta Key take such a measure to gauge public interest. “As one member of our delegation put it, ‘If a straw vote indicates an overwhelming majority of Siesta residents want the question of incorporation put on the ballot, how could
Related coverage on pages 6 and 18. we possibly deny you?’” Tim Hensey, Save Siesta Key chairman, said. “The results will give our local delegation evidence that the residents of Siesta Key are serious about preserving the island for generations to come, to share with their fellow senators and representatives in Tallahassee.” Here is how it will work, according to Hensey: In the Nov. 14-17 time frame, every registered voter of Siesta Key will receive a straw ballot via first class mail at the address Continued on page 29
Jenna and Matt Papenfuss enjoy a spectacular sunset off Crescent Beach a few days after Hurricane Ian came through our area. The couple, from St. Paul, Minnesota, were visiting Jenna’s family’s condo. (photo by John Morton)
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Meet your new grocers
All things Africa in T-shirt to help storm victims Gulf Gate store
SHAPIRO
DELGADO
Injury Lawyer We are your neighbors and your Siesta Key lawyers.
David Shapiro Jaime954-4000 Delgado GetMeJustice.com / (941) Managing Partner Managing Partner Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and Mediator by Florida Bar
• Village Map/business listings PAGES 24, 25 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 28 •Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 39 • Music Calendar PAGE 40 • Accommodations Map PAGE 47
Happiness is...Family
AV rating by Martindale Hubbell
Sometimes family is by blood. And sometimes it’s by choice.The owners of Abel’s Ice Cream, Jerry and Jill Williams, are excited to be expanding their work family through their purchase of Simon’s Coffee House. “We are so delighted to welcome Simon’s into the fold,” Jerry said. “Jill and I have enjoyed their food and service for years. And now, we get to consider them family.”
Simon’s 1398 coffee house SARASOTA FL • EST 2001
Simon’s is a fantastic breakfast and lunch eatery that has options for every taste and dietary preference. Whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, Chef Tyler has mouthwatering dishes that are sure to please. And with Simon’s proximity to Abel’s, it only makes sense to join Jerry at Simon’s
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AV rated by Martindale Hubbell Voted Best Lawyers By U.S. News and World Report Bilingual
Siesta Key resident for for breakfast or lunch, then swing a Siesta Key resident for moreby thanfor 20 years more than 30 years tasty cup or cone of Abel’s featured fall ice creamThe flavors - Carrot Cake (You can stop Justice we pursue, is Yours. baking,Helping this is the ultimate Carrot Cake the injured sincerecipe… 1990 Siesta Carrot CakeYour ice cream withKey freshLawyers walnuts and a thick ribbon of cream cheese frosting) and 308 Cocoanut Avenue | Sarasota, Florida 34236 Special Praline (Praline pecans & caramel www.GetMeJustice.com | (941)954-4000 swirled together in smooth Vanilla ice cream).
Simon’s Coffee House is located at 5900 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota in the DeSear’s Plaza. Open Monday through Saturday from 8-3 and Sundays from 9-3. Learn more or order take out online at their website, www.simonstogo.com or connect with them on Facebook or Instagram.