Anna’s back in expansion mode
Anna’s Deli, located at 6535 Midnight Pass Rd., is now expanding its longtime business to the vacant storefront next door.
In mid-January the dividing wall was partially knocked down. The space will allow for more seating and a dedicated exit door.
The neighboring space, 890 feet in size, used to be home to the Things You Like boutique.
Anna’s had plans in the fall for expansion, but put it on hold. The project, for now, will not allow for an expanded kitchen and the ability to make hot sandwiches, as what was intended with the initial plan.
Illegal short-term rental back before special magistrate
Owners of an illegal short-term rental on Siesta Key were due back before a special magistrate Jan. 13 after ignoring an August ruling demanding that it cease with rentals shorter than 30 days, Sarasota County code enforcement officer Rick Russ reports.
Properties zoned within a single-family area cannot rent for periods shorter than a month.
The property is one of two to receive the August 12 warning, being told it cannot violate the restrictions for five years without being subject to penalties, Russ added.
“They are still at it,” Russ said of the property owners. “They are a repeat violator. They don’t want to quit.”
Russ has been serving as Siesta Key’s code enforcement officer since November of 2021.
Chamber guides available
All are invited to stop in the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce office, 5114 Ocean Blvd., to pick up copies of the new 2023 Siesta Key Visitors Guide & Local Resources publication.
Attraction brochures and area maps are also available.
Siesta Key Association meets Feb. 2 at St. Boniface Church
The monthly meeting of the Siesta Key Association civic group will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the St. Boniface Church’s community room, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd.
The group meets the first Thursday of each month to discuss local issues. Visit siestakeyassociation.com for more information.
Sea Shell condos to get new tiki hut, commissioners decide
The Sea Shell Condominiums, 6500 Midnight Pass Rd., was given permission to build a new tiki hut by the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 18 by a unanimous vote.
A coastal setback variance was required for the project.
The new hut replaces an older one that was first built in 1974 but torn down. It was 14 feet high, 16 feet wide, and 24 feet in length.
The new one, to be built in the same spot, will be 16 feet high, 24 feet wide, and 24 feet in length.
Neighbors to the south at The Crescent condo complex argued to commissioners that the additional height will block first- and second-floor views and the increased size will draw heavier usage and noise, disrupting residents at the pool which is only 100 feet from the proposed structure.
Siesta Key Chapel to continue with beach services
On the heels of a Dec. 18 beach worship service that it is calling a great success, Siesta Key Chapel has announced it will continue to hold its weekly beach service through April 2.
The worship service is Sundays at 9 a.m. at Sunset Point near Beach Access 2, located at 10 Beach Rd. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or folding chair.
Shuttle service to the beach, courtesy of the Frog Hop, will be available for those who wish to park at the church, located at the corner of Gleason Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. It begins at 8:30 a.m.
Volleyball event is Feb. 4, 5
The annual East End Beach Volleyball tournament is slated for Feb. 4 and 5 at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Rd.
Prizes adding up to $4,000 are on the line for both male and female competitors. Action begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.
For more information, visit eevb.net or email eevb@optonline.net.
Beach walks return Feb. 1
Beginning Feb. 1 and going through March 29, Sarasota County is sponsoring a free Wednesday morning Siesta Beach Sunrise Walk along Siesta Key. It begins at the public beach’s main pavilion, 948 Beach Rd., and goes from 8 to 9:30 a.m. No registration is required.
Renew your vows on Siesta
The annual Say “I Do” Again event is set for Feb. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Rd.
At 5 p.m., light refreshments will be served and live music will be performed. Photo opportunities will also be available.
At 6 p.m., a non-denominational service will be at held.
Cost is $15 per couple in advance and $25 the day of the event (on-site registration begins at 4:30 p.m., credit card only).
Register by visiting scgov.net/parks or by calling (941) 861-7275.
Siesta Village Dentistry to host Valentine’s party Feb. 10
Siesta Village Dentistry, 5136 Ocean Blvd. in Davidson’s Plaza, is holding a Valentine’s Love and Appreciation Party from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 10.
Enjoy live music, food and champagne, and a tour of the business’ high-tech office.
RSVP by Feb. 3 by emailing siestavdentistry@gmail.com or by calling (941) 505-1200.
Author: Siesta Sand