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By Hannah Wallace Siesta Key tourism needed a win, and Spring Break 2021 delivered. As southwest Florida experienced idyllic spring weather (and minimal coronavirus restrictions), visitors swarmed down from the Midwest and Northeast for the traditional spring vacation period. Groups flocked to Siesta Key Beach and strolled in droves along Ocean Boulevard, gathering around sidewalk […]
By Jane Bartnett Have you heard about The Point? It’s a wonderful waterfront restaurant and lounge on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey that opened its doors in October. If you’re coming from Siesta Key, head south on Tamiami Trail and at Bayview Drive drive a short distance toward the water and be prepared for […]
By John Morton Since when can you learn a thing or two at a tiki-bar party? Low Tide Tours sees to it with its relaxing and educational pontoon trips through Siesta Key’s Intracoastal Waterway, hosting outings both in the day (four passenger minimum) and at sunset (six passenger minimum). The boat holds a maximum of […]
By Jane Bartnett Key Casuals has a new look, a new owner and a new line of women’s clothing.“Our motto is, dress like you’re on vacation,” said Melissa Grossenkemper, the store’s new owner and buyer. “Vacation clothing designed to appeal to women age 25 to 45 who are visiting or living on or near Siesta […]
By Rachel Brown Hackney, SarasotaNewsLeader.com In the 2020 fiscal year, online accommodations rental platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway continued to increase their share of business in Sarasota County, Chief Deputy Sarasota County Tax Collector Sherri Smith has reported to members of the county’s Tourist Development Council. Since May 2017, the county has been receiving a monthly check from Airbnb […]
Connie Lewis applies the perfect touch at her new spa. (photo by Jane Bartnett). By Jane Bartnett Longtime Siesta Key massage therapist Connie Lewis has opened a new boutique day spa called Spa Experience Siesta Key on the second floor of 5700 Midnight Pass Rd. A part of the local wellness community for more than […]
Pizza N’ Brew sits at the old City Pizza location in Crescent Plaza. (photo by John Morton) By John Morton The business formerly known as City Pizza has changed its name, but it remains part of the family. It transitioned in October under the new ownership of Frank Segreti, who took over the longtime Siesta […]
By Jane Bartnett When Norma and Bill Abel opened Abel’s Ice Cream 10 years ago, they never dreamed that their little shop would become a Siesta Key and Sarasota institution. “When after four-and-a-half years, we decided to sell and we met Jerry and Jill Williams,” recalled Norma Abel. “We knew they were the perfect people […]
The Herbie the Love Bug cars are ready for departure at Robin Hood Rentals in the Siesta Key Village. (submitted photo) By John Morton “They only go as fast as about 35 mph, but you feel like you’re going 50 mph because they are so low to the ground.” That’s how Billy Justice, manager of […]
Studio owner Michael Schindler (left) participates in exercises with instructors Lauren Nevius (middle) and Jillian Walker. (photo by John Morton) By Jane Bartnett There’s a new yoga studio in town. And it has a fun name. Studio Yooga, in the heart of Siesta Key Village, is a peaceful and welcoming place. Its dark wood floors, […]