Siesta Key Chapel Marks 55 Years of Ministry and Community
Siesta Key Chapel, known for its architectural significance and welcoming spirit, is celebrating 55 years of ministry and the 50th anniversary of its chapel building.
Designed by the late architect Frank Folsom Smith, the chapel was envisioned as both a church and a community hub where spirituality, fellowship and nature meet.
The anniversary celebration begins Nov. 9 with a worship service and community pancake breakfast. A year of special events will follow, featuring local artists, musicians and community groups.
Upcoming highlights include a Lessons and Carols service with harp and pipe organ, a Calypso Christmas Hymn Sing, and performances by The First Brass of Sarasota and Harmonic Sanity Jazz Band. Events will also feature Baroque musician Dr. Martha Stiehl and conductor Juan-Carlos Alarcón, who will lead a performance of Misa Criolla by Argentinian composer Ariel Ramírez in February 2026.
Reverend Dr. Ruth Herron Smalt, known for her welcoming invitation to “come as you are,” said the yearlong celebration reflects the chapel’s role as “God’s Treehouse” — a place for all who seek community.
C.B.’s Saltwater Outfitters Hosts Fly-Fishing School Nov. 22
It’s time to sharpen your fly-fishing skills. On Saturday morning, November 22, from 8:30 a.m. – noon, C.B.’s Saltwater Outfitters endorsed Fly Fishing School will be in session. Designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, the course will focus on basic fly-casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. Certified Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett, will also cover saltwater fly-fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. The class fee is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle and a workbook. Call CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or email info@cbsoutfitters.com to make a reservation. C.B.’s also offers instructional guided fly-fishing trips that are offered for a separate fee.
Happy Anniversary!
On Nov. 6, Aledia Tush, C.B.’s Saltwater Outfitters co-owner, founder and award-winning fisherwoman will celebrate her 50th year at the legendary Siesta Key store that is known for all things boating, fishing and more. Congratulations Aledia.
Chamber Annual Awards Dinner
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce will host their annual awards dinner on Jan. 29 at the Sarasota Art Museum. Nominations are open for Chamber members and self-nominating is encouraged. Completed nominations must be received no later than 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. Visit siestakeychamber.com.
Calling all volunteers
Volunteers are needed for the 2025 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sandsculpting Festival on Siesta Beach, Nov. 14-17. Be a part of the 15th anniversary of this special Siesta Key event that features 24 international sand artists competing for prizes. Various times and days are available as are volunteer jobs. There are five days of activity, including the pre-event setup. Complete a volunteer application form at siestakeyclassic.com.
Siesta Key Pack and Ship Fills Postal Gap After Davidson Drugs Closure
Following the closure of Davidson Drugs, Siesta Key Pack and Ship, also known as Mail Pack Center, is stepping up to provide essential mail and shipping services for the community.
Davidson Drugs, a longtime Siesta Key institution that operated for more than 65 years, completed its closure in late 2023, leaving residents without a local source for postal services.
“We recognize the void left by the closure of Davidson Drugs and its postal services,” the business’s owner said. “We want to assure the community that we’re here to help. We proudly offer all USPS services, including stamps, Priority Mail and package shipping, as well as partnerships with FedEx, UPS and DHL.”
Located at 6547 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Pack and Ship also provides private mailbox rentals, digital mailbox access, and a range of business services, including notary, printing, copying, scanning and shredding.
Gulf Gate 2nd Friday Celebration Returns
Gulf Gate’s Second Friday’s celebration is back for its second year. Celebrate the weekend and drop in at the Gulf Gate shopping district on Friday Nov. 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Discover the many diverse shops and restaurants that make Gulf Gate so unique.
Meet the Authors at Gulf Gate Library’s “Off the Page” Series
Book lovers are invited to visit the Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., on Monday, Nov. 3, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and again on Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m.
As part of the Sarasota County Library System’s Off the Page literary celebration, the library that serves Siesta Key, Gulf Gate and Palmer Ranch will host two free author events in November featuring well-known writers.
On Nov. 3, Sarasota resident Lucy H. Hedrick, author of five nonfiction books, will discuss her debut novel, Six Weeks in Reno. The book explores the little-known Reno, Nevada, divorce colony that flourished during the Great Depression.
On Nov. 10, Sam Kean, a New York Times best-selling author and celebrated science writer, will speak about his latest book, Dinner with King Tut: How Rogue Archeologists Are Recreating the Sights, Sounds, Smells and Taste of Ancient Civilizations.
Published in the summer of 2025, the book quickly became a New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Indie bestseller. The Boston Globe also named it one of the best books of the summer.
Gulf Gate Community Association Meeting
On Nov. 20 at 6 p.m., the Gulf Gate Community Association will hold a general membership meeting at St. Andrews United Church of Christ Stewart Hall at 6908 South Beneva Road. The Gulf Gate Community Association represents over 1500 households in the neighborhoods of Gulf Gate, Gulf Gate Woods and Colonial Terrace, Unit #2. Founded in 1963, the association is a 501(c)4 non-profit corporation. Visit ggca.us to learn more.
