Golf Cart Rentals
Things to do on and around Siesta Key
941-554-4242
www.robinhoodrentals.net
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It’s On the Beach This Month
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Fans at Munchie’s 420 Cafe live for the big football game days, when they can share the joy of winning and the agony of defeat.
By Ned Steele
ebruary brings the warmth of Valentine’s Day, school vacations, and a break from the cold for northern snowbirds, making Siesta Key and Siesta Beach a bustling hub of activity. With a lineup of exciting events, visitors are sure to find something to enjoy. “Say I Do Again” leads the charge as the annual nondenominational vow renewal ceremony on the beach on Feb. 14. (Check out the full story elsewhere in this issue.) Another signature event, Sunrise Beach Walks, kicks off on Feb. 5 and continues every Wednesday through March 27. This fitness-focused morning walk is organized by Sarasota County and offers a great way to start the day with a bit of
exercise. Registration is available by the main pavilion from 8 to 9:30 a.m. for a one-time fee of $5. Participants receive a punch card and can earn a beautiful T-shirt after completing four walks. Most walkers head south toward the open beach, covering at least a mile. Whether walking solo, in pairs, or in groups, it’s the steps that count. Health-related information will also be available, covering topics like healthy aging, balance, smoking cessation, and proper hydration. For those who might miss a few walks, fear not. You can still earn your T-shirt by joining the same program at Nokomis Beach on Thursday mornings throughout February and March. In March, engage your mind with Beach University, a coastal
environmental education series held each Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Experts will present on vital environmental issues affecting the area. While the final schedule is pending, past topics have included manatee protection, sea turtle conservation, land management, and the role of sharks in the ecosystem. For those looking to indulge, the Sun Deck refreshment stand is back in full swing, with its dumbwaiter replaced and a menu that extends beyond typical beach fare. Additionally, Turtle Beach on the south end of Siesta Key is open after recovering from storm damage. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Siesta Continued on page 9V
Fishing With CB’s: It’s All About the Fun
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f you’ve hung up the “Gone Fishing” sign up north and headed down to Siesta Key for a vacation, why not try actual fishing on a boat? The folks at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters make it easy for anyone—even complete newbies— to charter a captained boat for a morning or afternoon of one of humankind’s oldest pursuits. While they can’t legally guarantee a catch, it’s pretty hard not to land a few fish under the guidance of one of CB’s nine experienced fishing guides. Just as visitors are flocking to the key this month, it’s prime fishing season: pompano, sea trout, sheepshead, and more are plentiful. For seasoned anglers, the guides will take you to the best spots, leveraging years of local knowledge. If you’re new
By Ned Steele to fishing, you’re in luck. Your captain will teach you the basics and lead you to the same spots the pros frequent. “In four hours, they’ll teach you how to do it the right way,” says CB’s Manager, Doug Forde. CBs specializes in bay fishing, which means you’ll be in calm, shallow waters, avoiding the livelier surf of the Gulf. The routes change constantly with the tides, wind, and fish habits. Typically, charters head north past the north bridge, showcasing stunning waterside homes along the key and beyond, some belonging to celebrities. Captains often provide a running commentary, and you might even spot a manatee or two. On a recent sunny day, Captain Brandon Naeve, a 27-year veteran of the waters, took vacationing
Ron Rockovich from Pittsburgh, his son Aidan, and family friend Matt Gianetta out on his boat. Aidan, reminiscing about childhood fishing trips with his dad, persuaded Matt to join, despite Matt’s initial skepticism about boating. It didn’t take long for Matt to land several catches, including sea trout and ladyfish. Aidan reeled in a pompano and a 16-inch sea trout, which he proudly declared would grow to 20 inches by the end of the day. Captain Naeve filleted the catch, readying it for a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant. The trio left with happy memories, which, as Naeve emphasizes, is the real catch: “It’s not all about how many fish you catch. It’s about having fun.” Continued on page 9V
Matt Gianetta and Aidan Rockovitch show off the evening’s dinner at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters.
SIESTA KEY
SWIMWEAR RESORT WEAR ACCESSORIES
1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545
DOWNTOWN
50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800
LONGBOAT
3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288
www.SwimCity.com