Q. You’re in your third year as Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce member engagement and visitor services manager. Volunteer management is a key part of the chamber. What roles do volunteers play in supporting the chamber’s mission?
Siesta Key Chamber volunteers are an essential part of what we do and are often the first point of contact for visitors, residents and local business owners when they stop by the Visitor Center and chamber office. Our volunteers do an incredible job creating a welcoming experience right away.
They also support our events, assist with day-to-day operations and serve as true ambassadors for the community. Whether they’re directing someone to a local business or sharing their favorite spots in the area, they help shape a positive and memorable experience for everyone they meet. They bring a great deal of energy, care and pride to their roles, and that spirit is a big part of what makes this community feel so welcoming.
Q. As Siesta Key prepares for the Fourth of July fireworks celebration, what role will chamber volunteers play in supporting the event?
The Siesta Key Fourth of July fireworks celebration is one of our most cherished traditions, made possible entirely through local business support, community donations and chamber-led fundraising efforts. That support is what keeps this tradition alive year after year.
Our volunteers play an important role in bringing the event to life. They assist with fundraising outreach, share information about how people and businesses can contribute and help with coordination and event-day needs to ensure everything runs smoothly. It really is a community effort from start to finish.
For those who would like to support this year’s celebration, donations can be made directly through the chamber’s website — siestakeychamber.com. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure this long-standing tradition continues for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Q. What is the chamber doing behind the scenes to prepare for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration?
There’s a lot of excitement around elevating this tradition in a meaningful way. Behind the scenes, our focus is on fundraising and partnership-building to ensure a memorable experience for both residents and visitors.
We’re also working closely with longtime partners at Zambelli Fireworks as we plan a spectacular display over Siesta Beach. A lot of coordination goes into an event of this scale, from logistics planning to ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
For us at the chamber, it’s about honoring a tradition that already means so much to the community while building on it in a way that feels worthy of a milestone year.
Q. The 16th annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Festival returns in November 2026. What roles do volunteers play before, during and after the event, and how many are needed?
To put it simply, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers. In total, we rely on more than 200 volunteers each year. Before the event, they help with preparation, setup support and readiness for artists and guests from around the world.
During the festival, they serve in key roles including greeting visitors, assisting with wayfinding, supporting hospitality areas, helping artists and keeping operations running smoothly across the beach.
Over the four days, it’s a full team effort. Volunteers are on site from sunup into the evening ensuring guests have a great experience from arrival to the final sculpture viewing. Afterward, they help with breakdown, cleanup and site restoration so Siesta Beach is returned to its natural state.
It’s an incredible community effort, and their dedication is a huge part of the festival’s success.
For those interested, tickets are on sale now. Volunteer registration opens in late summer 2026, and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Q. A new Siesta Key Visitor Center has been discussed. What is the status and what role will the chamber play?
We’re involved in ongoing conversations with Sarasota County and local stakeholders about a potential new Siesta Key Visitor Center. At this stage, discussions are still in the early planning and exploration phase.
The focus is on identifying what best serves both the community and visitors to Siesta Key.
The vision is to create a welcoming space that provides helpful resources while reflecting the island’s unique character and history.
We’re excited about the possibilities and appreciative of the collaborative approach being taken.
Q. You began your volunteer career in college at the University of North Florida and went on to manage volunteers for organizations including the YMCA, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics and The Haven. As a former Siesta Key beach lifeguard, what is the most rewarding part of your job?
My past roles in nonprofit organizations, combined with my experience working on the beach, prepared me extremely well for this position. Whether someone is looking for the best grouper sandwich, live music or ways to engage with the community, I’m able to connect and guide them.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with volunteers across many events, from triathlons to formal galas. In every case, volunteers have been the heartbeat of the effort. I deeply value their dedication, and their passion for Siesta Key is something truly special.
Q. How can people get involved as chamber or Crystal Classic volunteers and participate in events year-round?
There are several easy ways to get involved with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Crystal Classic and other programs. I’m always happy to help people find the right fit based on their interests and availability.
People can connect with me directly at the Visitor Center (5223 Avenida Navarra), or complete our online volunteer application:
https://www.siestakeychamber.com/siesta-key-chamber/about-us/volunteer-application/
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Brittany Stokes, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce member engagement and visitor services manager. (Photo provided)
