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SiestaKeyFitness.com AUGUST 2024 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.us | COMPLIMENTARY
Coyotes a Concern on the Key
Artist rendering of the quintessential Siesta Key symbol
Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith addressed the issue at a recent board meeting By ChrisAnn Allen
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oyotes are becoming problematic on Siesta Key. “A coyote brought it to my attention,” District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith, who represents and lives on the Key, said during a July 9 Sarasota County commission meeting. He said he has seen them in his neighborhood on a couple of occasions and recently received an email from a constituent, in which the person included a photo of a dog which had been mauled and said there have been attacks on pets, specifically citing Glebe Park, behind St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in the 5300 block of Midnight Pass Road. “People are afraid to go into Glebe Park…,” Smith said. “There’s dens back there.” Commissioner Smith said he forwarded the email to Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, who responded, saying animal control only handles domestic animals, so this would be a matter for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, but the agency won’t
trap coyotes. Smith pointed out barrier islands are “a closed system,” which likely began with a pair of coyotes walking across the bridge, likely at night, creating a den, having a litter of pups and contending with a limited food supply of small mammals such as rabbits and rats. “But the fact is that it’s becoming a dangerous situation,” he said. “On Siesta Key, the coyotes are coming out more at night. That’s the same time a lot of our visitors are leaving establishments. I could see this eventually becoming a bad situation.” Smith requested the commission direct County Administrator Jonathan Lewis to reach out to FWC representatives for assistance on the matter. District 3 Commissioner Neil Rainford and District 1 Commissioner Mike Moran, Chair, both said they supported Smith’s request. Lewis said he would contact FWC and report back with the outcome. For more information, visit: https://myfwc.com/ conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/coyotes/
The Siesta Sand explores the history and impact of Siesta Key’s unique lifeguard stands on page 12. Image by local artist, Jennifer Peck.
Roundabout formally tossed to curb A single excessive bid and lack of public interest means the intersection will be enhanced and additional funds reallocated By ChrisAnn Allen
I
t’s official, the commission has nixed construction of a roundabout at the intersections of Beach and Midnight Pass roads. Due to an $8.9 million price tag and
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lack of public interest, during a July 10 meeting, Sarasota County commissioners unanimously voted to do away with the project, instead using $400,000 - $500,000 of the allocated $2.9 million Florida
Page 6 Time to vote
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Department of Transportation funding to enhance safety features at the existing intersection. The topic was brought up for formal consideration following consensus on the matter at a May 15 budget meeting.
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Intersection history
Originally, the intersection was part of an FDOT road but was transferred to the county in 2019 in a road transfer Continued on page 22
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Tasty takeout
Happiness is…Finding the Positive
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As temperatures soar and humidity hangs heavy in the air, finding the silver lining of summer can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, for Jerry and Jill Williams, owners of Abel’s Ice Cream, positivity isn’t just a mindset—it’s a way of life that they embody and share with their community.
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And Abel’s Ice Cream is more than just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it’s a sanctuary of positivity. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by their friendly staff and see several gentle reminders like: "Chocolate Understands", "Enjoy the little things", and "Have courage and be kind".
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Did you know that positive thinking is scientifically proven? According to the Huffington Post, studies in quantum physics suggest that our perceptions and beliefs can influence our reality. This notion underscores the idea that by cultivating a positive mindset, individuals can potentially alter their experiences for the better.
That means, if you’re feeling blah about the heat this summer, you have the power to change your thinking about it right now. And Abel’s can help.What’s better to chase away the heat than a cup or cone of your favorite flavor? They’re featuring the best parts of summer with Hawaiian Fruit Cup (Tropical Coconut ice cream with pineapple chunks and strawberries) and Peanut Butter Cups (Classic Peanut Butter ice cream loaded with crushed Reeses® peanut butter cups). Cooler temps and back-to-school are right around the corner. So, while you can, come in and enjoy the summer with your friends at Abel’s Ice Cream. They’re 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 Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at their website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
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