Siesta Beach Continues to Earn National, Global Praise
Siesta Beach has earned more national and international recognition this year, landing at No. 8 on USA Today’s Readers’ Choice list of the 10 Best Beaches in Florida.
Earlier this year, the beach was also named the No. 1 beach in the U.S. and No. 4 in the world by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards. Most recently, The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2025 included Siesta Beach among the top beaches worldwide, based on evaluations by over 1,000 travel experts.
Longtime Patriot’s Pier Volunteer Annie Overbeck Passes Away
Annie Overbeck, a devoted member of the Patriot’s Pier flag ceremony brigade, passed away last week. Overbeck was a beloved presence at the daily sunset flag ceremony on Siesta Key, a tradition started by her father, decorated WWII veteran Captain Ralph Styles, 48 years ago.
Following her father’s passing in 2009, Overbeck and her friends continued the ceremony. During the winter months, she often served as the group’s videographer—live-streaming the event to the Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point Facebook page—and regularly joined in folding the flag each evening.
Known for her warmth and welcoming spirit, Overbeck will be deeply missed by the community she helped bring together under the flag.
Former Siesta Key Resort Manager Accused of Embezzling $110K
A former manager at a Siesta Key resort was arrested last month after deputies said he stole more than $110,000 from the business.
Billy Prater, former manager of Siesta Key Palms Resort, was arrested May 21 and charged with fraud, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said Prater manipulated the reservation system to cancel or give away rooms, then pocketed the payments.
The resort’s owner reported the suspected fraud to authorities in November after a financial audit revealed missing funds. An audit later showed Prater allegedly stole $110,470.19 between late 2023 and 2024.
Deputies said Prater also paid a handyman through multiple payment platforms, though it was unclear what work was performed and whether the amounts were inflated. He is additionally accused of committing FEMA fraud by adding unauthorized overnight stays to FEMA accounts.
As a result, the resort owner was required to reimburse FEMA $7,003, according to the report.
Prater was released on a $50,000 bond on May 22. His arraignment is scheduled for June 20.
