News

Downsizing the house, but not the lifestyle
One of Siesta’s most prized residences enters the growing luxury-home market as the Crouses stay on the Key but get closer to the city By Jane Bartnett “I grew up along the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey. I like being near the water,” said Siesta Key resident William Crouse who, along with his wife, Elaine, […]

That classic little cottage lives on
Structure at Beach Access 7 will receive historic designation, thanks to narrow vote by Sarasota County commissioners By ChrisAnn Allen It has weathered storms for more than 90 years.And during an Oct. 24 Sarasota County commission meeting it weathered another one, so to speak, as the board narrowly voted 3-2 to add the Curione Beach […]

Taking the dip of a lifetime
Siesta Key training set the stage for swimmer Allen Hillman to cross the English Channel By Ned Steele What kind of person eagerly jumps into 10-foot storm-surge waves for a bracing two-hour swim from Siesta Beach to the Point of Rocks?The kind of person who’s training to swim the English Channel, that’s who.Such a person […]

Gilligan’s, county at impasse regarding music hours
By ChrisAnn Allen It appears they are deadlocked.Following a sound study conducted for Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill to measure ambient and live music sound levels, Sarasota County staff and Gilligan’s representatives met in a special magistrate mediation hearing Oct. 31 to discuss the results.According to Gilligan’s attorney Casey Colburn, as a result of the […]
Living

Siesta inspired, Santa approved
Gemma Lewis has the holiday-tree touch and she’s happy to share it By Jane Bartnett As the holiday season for many got underway, Siesta Key rolled out the red carpet. In the Village, festive lights adorn Ocean Boulevard, a beautiful tree went up in the gazebo, and there’s a definite festive feeling in the air.For […]

Some big, bold mural therapy
Brandon Thrift’s ‘love each other’ message receives a touch-up as his artistic creation continues to shine bright it Siesta Key’s Village By John Morton Only something special could replace a mural created by the late, great Shawn McLoughlin.At Siesta Key’s Beach Club, they found someone up to challenge in Brandon Thrift. The Sarasota artist had […]
Activities

A joyful event
It’s Year 47 for Sandy Claws run/walk on Siesta Beach By Hannah Wallace If you could summarize the holidays on Siesta Key with a single event, the Sandy Claws Beach Run might just be it.In a tradition that dates back to the 1970s, more than 300 festive-dressed athletes of all ages, including dozens of Santa […]

Jaw-dropping spectacle was ultimate Siesta showcase
By Jane Bartnett Oh what a night! And oh, what a weekend it was for Siesta Beach. The Crystal Classic was on! Thousands of visitors had come to see the exceptional sand sculptures designed and created by 24 of the world’s master sand sculptors who traveled here from all over the U.S. and Canada, and […]
Community
Village Cafe seeking toys by Dec. 18
As in years past, the Village Cafe will be helping to bring Christmas gifts to local children who are less fortunate. Please bring an unwrapped gift to the restaurant, located at 5133 Ocean Blvd., prior to Dec. 18 and the elves at the cafe will do the rest! Your contribution will be donated to the […]

Island Chatter: December
Chamber holiday reception is Dec. 6 at Gilligan’sThe Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce will hold a holiday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill, 5253 Ocean Blvd.Festive holiday attire is encouraged. Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots and receive a complimentary drink […]