BEDFORD — The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County is fundraising for the annual Ugly Duck Derby with a special drawing for a trip to Siesta Key The drawing will be broadcast live on the club’s Facebook page Coinciding with the drawing is the deadline for a special ticket promotion: 40 tickets for $100 Organizers are urging community members to take advantage of this offer which remains available until Thursday’s drawing time The club reports significant progress in ticket sales having already distributed over 5,000 tickets Volunteers are encouraged to continue their efforts and additional tickets can be provided upon request Ticket numbers can be shared electronically for immediate sales The Boys & Girls Club is offering multiple payment options for ticket purchasers: Questions regarding ticket sales or purchases can be directed to the Director of Resource Development Ashley Gilstrap or the Boys & Girls Club Serving Lawrence and surrounding counties since 1948 COMMUNITY PARTNER Since 2013, That’s So Tampa has been the most trusted local resource for discovering All Things Good in Tampa Bay. United StatesChevron FloridaChevron GettySave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links consults over 1,000 global travel professionals as judges to nominate top coastline contenders from locations around the world or on-the-ground travel experts with local knowledge then offer up detailed insights of each beach destination A list that highlights not only the most scenic beaches but the ones that deliver a full and top-tier sensory escape Siesta Beach was the only US destination to make the cut this year. Beating out heavyweights from Hawaii, California the dreamy Gulf Coast shore has now officially captured the hearts of international travel experts “And having it at our fingertips right here in the US is truly something special.” travelers already exploring southern Florida can add it as a stop to their Keys itinerary There’s a whole slew of reasons our readers continue to fall hard for Florida’s gulf coast: iconic sunsets, waterfront dining, and active beach scenes The island of Siesta Key is home to three distinct beaches: Siesta Beach the lively and most photographed stretch; Crescent Beach a more private cove perfect for snorkeling near Point of Rocks; and Turtle Beach slightly rugged escape ideal for shell collecting and kayaking the best time to travel to Siesta Beach is April to May or September to early October “Be mindful of Florida's hurricane season which runs from June through August,” Covel says—with a note of the new storm-normal season extending through October “If you choose to travel during hurricane season I highly recommend travel insurance in case of any unexpected weather.” In fact last year’s Hurricane Milton caused significant damages to Sarasota County—with storm surges the beaches at Siesta Key and Lido Beach reopened last November If you’re looking for a day trip to Siesta Key’s (or perhaps the charming coasts of Anna Maria Island) book a hotel or Airbnb on Longboat or Lido Key Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips A Guide to Korčula, Croatia Why Everyone Will Be Going to Osaka in 2025 A London Local’s Melting-Pot Itinerary for Food This New Eco-Cruise Through the Galápagos Takes Passengers On a Safari at Sea up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world looks for feedback and funds to beautify Siesta Key and the air quality often produces breathing problems we have been advised that Siesta Beach is No More: Tripadvisor names Siesta Beach No. 1 in US. What do you think? Tell us. | Opinion after recently visiting the downtown Sarasota Farmers Market with too many people and all their cars filling our streets and too much corruption allowing approval of new buildings in too small an area but looking back and wishing it were otherwise is futile All we can do is stay very aware so we can see what is unfolding with those telling us not to worry or fret because they are “Making America Great Again.” State Sen. Joe Gruters wanted to change the name of Tamiami Trail to Gulf of America Trail Apparently, Florida is so flush with money that we can waste it on new road signs I suggest something shorter and to the point More: Joe Gruters seeks brownie points with Trump. That's no reason to rename Tamiami. | Opinion not ego-inflating foolishness like name changes (Editor's note: Gruters has withdrawn his proposal to rename Tamiami Trail.) I can’t wrap my mind around why state Sen. Joe Gruters wanted to change the name of the Tamiami Trail. There’s nothing political about that name Pete in the 1950s and lost my childhood home to the construction of Interstate 275 Why would you want to take away one of the few last vestiges of an Old Florida that’s rapidly disappearing We’re building new roads in Southwest Florida constantly Please inflict your political shenanigans on one of them My first job after college was with Proctor & Gamble Dentists for 50 years have promoted the use of fluoride in our water as beneficial Disadvantaged children got the same benefit at no cost regardless of poor diet or oral hygiene practices Now our agriculture commissioner (who is jockeying to be our next governor) wants to take this benefit away from those who need it the most Parents who are eking out a living are not going to be buying bottles of fluoridated water The USA is shamefully far down the health care list of developed countries despite our wealth Luddites are taking over our health-care systems under the guise of “freedom.” We all have an obligation to say “enough.” If Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine it is really quite easy: Turn around and go home I am sick over the direction, decisions and behaviors of Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Their meeting Feb. 28 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shows their ability to bully and their inability to lead.  I pray that we have leaders out there who will stand up and put a stop to this administration's reach for authoritarianism before it is beyond recovery Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor Siesta Key is eight miles long on the coast of Sarasota County This community has been in the spotlight nationally and internationally for years because of their pristine sand and beach as well as MTV's reality show "Siesta Key." you'll still see marks of last year's hurricanes but rest assured the Key is open beautiful as ever and ready for anyone who wants to come visit They say they're "Siesta Strong" here and after last year's damage people who have opened up shop here because they love it and just never left that just have this amazing unique charm to them It's not a bunch of high rise hotels," said Eric Fleming Board Chair for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce we see a lot of generational families coming down where their grandparents used to bring the parents who are now bringing the kids The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce also provides a visitor center on Siesta Key sweat and tears that they've put into those businesses We really want to help them shine and get them the business that they deserve," said Brittany Stokes Volunteer Manager for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center or email to help make your stay on Siesta Key the perfect one The Chamber of Commerce also holds several events every year Click here to find out more information about what they do Report a typo Image: Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock.com Siesta Beach, long celebrated for its powdery white sand and shimmering Gulf waters, has once again claimed the top spot on Tripadvisor’s "Best of the Best Beaches" list for 2025 reaffirming its reputation as a premier coastal destination This year’s ranking places Siesta Beach at No surpassing hundreds of contenders worldwide which tore through the Gulf of Mexico in September and October Despite these hurdles, Siesta Beach remains a draw. Its signature sand, composed of 99 percent pure quartz, stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days. The beach’s gently sloping shoreline offers safe, shallow waters, ideal for swimmers and families, while sunbathers, volleyball players and Sunday-night drum circle fans fill the three-and-a-half-mile stretch Walkers and runners often trek to Point of Rocks a limestone formation marking the northern end of the beach based on millions of traveler reviews over the past 12 months highlight not only Siesta Beach’s natural beauty but also its accessibility and amenities A renovation reflecting Sarasota’s midcentury modern architectural heritage has expanded facilities adding a two-story pavilion with panoramic views shaded picnic areas and an updated snack bar ample picnic spots and year-round lifeguards The hard-packed sand near the waterline makes it a favorite for long walks and family fun runs during the summer months A free trolley links beachgoers to nearby restaurants This latest accolade follows a pattern. Siesta Beach has twice been named America’s Best Beach by coastal expert Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman and was featured in Time magazine’s "World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021." Last year, Tripadvisor ranked it second in the U.S. and ninth globally making this year’s rise a testament to the beach’s enduring appeal—one that's even more precious amid ongoing recovery from the storms For a full guide to the area's beaches, click here Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. United States More than 1,000 leading travel professionals and influencers have undertaken the oh so arduous task of naming their absolute favorite beaches in the world and the list of the World's 50 Best Beaches for 2025 is here This annual collaboration between beach-savvy judges journalists and high-profile scenesters is a reflection of real-time beach expertise so these beaches are 100% stunning and worth a spot on your bucket list Florida was named the number 42 best beach in the world this beautiful beach is made up of 99% pure quartz This unique sand stays cool in the hot sun The lack of large beach developments in the area has preserved the beach's natural beauty The contributors dub this beach "frequently idyllic," meaning you're highly likely to have a perfect beach day when you visit "Our 2025 list is the result of countless days spent by our judges and the World's 50 Best team exploring coastlines across the globe," said Tine Holst "Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they've always dreamed of—places that are truly breathtaking Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitterAbout us Contact us Exercising Mind and Body: Beach University Returns — If you're looking for the best beach in the United States you don't have to go very far to get there TripAdvisor named Siesta Beach on Siesta Key as the top beach in the United States and number four overall in the world "Whether you want to relax or fill your day with activities Siesta Beach delivers," TripAdvisor said of Siesta Beach or simply admire the sunset—it's up to you It's easy to get to via public transportation and has plenty of shops and restaurants nearby ABC Action News asked visitors what makes Siesta Beach one of a kind you have a nice cool breeze coming in," said Lou Perna and the beach is so clean," said Michelle Ackerman “It’s a very big beach," said Richard Ackerman The designation means a lot after the area was hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton “We’re 100 percent now," said Lee Jennings the Operations Manager of Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites Just down the road from the beach's white sand the Big Tiki Lounge and Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites felt the pain “We were quite impacted because a lot of our rooms are first floor rooms and so the water got inside of all of them so we had to obviously do a lot of work on the inside," said Jennings Now with spring break season inching closer getting back to business as usual is a big deal “Obviously up north as it’s cold right now and we need to be open just to kind of collect all the business that’s coming in," said Jennings TripAdvisor's rankings come from travelers The company said the rankings are awarded to those "who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period The title for the top beach in the world went to Elafonissi Beach on the Greek island of Crete Siesta Beach was ranked by Tripadvisor as the number four best beach in the world and I feel like that's part of where the system failed" Henry Betsey Jr. is facing charges for marrying three Florida women in three different counties at the same time. Now saying the system that handles marriage licenses kept them in the dark The newly listed Crystal Waters estate — a 10,001-square-foot property with a guest house tennis court and much more — would be the most expensive ever sold on Siesta Key if it goes for its asking price of $31.5 million a heated swimming pool with a heated spa and a full bathroom and shower With décor and a color scheme that almost evokes Palm Springs the home at 8501 Midnight Pass Road draws inspiration from its place on the bay and is touted for its location minutes from Siesta Key Beach a luxury real estate specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty said the property is the most beautiful he’s ever seen in his more than 40 years in real estate everything has been literally curated to work together,” Pettingell said I really was stunned by how beautiful it was.”   Contact Herald-Tribune Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@gannett.com Artists Are Born at Shattered Glass DIY Sarasota The newest mansion on the Sarasota market is 100% pure luxury The “Crystal Waters” estate, a 10,001-square-foot home on 2.7 acres at 8501 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key which includes a 1,605-square-foot guest house is the most expensive on the market and one of Sarasota’s highest-ever listed properties Features of the estate include five bedrooms The primary suite includes walk-in closets spa-inspired bathrooms with a jacuzzi and adjoining showers completed the house in 2024 with interior designers Phoebe and Jim Howard “It provides the ultimate escape with water views from every angle peaceful living and an unparalleled sense of serenity “Every detail has been meticulously crafted to offer a luxurious lifestyle but a sanctuary where you can truly unwind and rejuvenate." The property’s price tag is the highest of any listing in Sarasota County A 13,000-square-foot home with seven bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms located at 3990 Higel Ave Other high-end listings in the $30 million range in Sarasota County: In 2023, a Harbor Acres estate was listed at $33.8 million, and a property also on Higel Avenue was on the market for $32.5 million Contact Herald-Tribune Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@gannett.com Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker white sand and tropical waters await in Florida's Siesta Beach Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com Rebuilding Your Condo: Get the Application Right Looking Into 2025: A Real Estate Perspective on Siesta Key 10,001-square-foot home is listed by Roger Pettingell of Pettingell Professionals,Coldwell Banker Realty for $31.5 million sits on 2.7 acres on Sarasota Bay and includes a guest house The two-story foyer connects to the open living room and two upstairs bedrooms.This five-bedroom The living room looks out onto the 56’x20 heated pool which features a vanishing edge and separate heated spa The chef’s kitchen has two islands and custom cabinetry An informal dining area off the kitchen has a view of Sarasota Ba The outdoor kitchen and seating area includes a fireplace and retractable screens The outdoor dining room features retractable screens and a view of the pool and Sarasota Bay The formal dining room with plaster detailing The primary suite bathroom has separate his and her bathrooms The home office has his and her workspaces and custom built-ins The club room boasts views of the bay and grounds and an extensive lounge and wet bar The main floor laundry room has custom cabinetry and connects to an outdoor dog run Two additional bedrooms are located on the second floor An excercise room has two covered balconies attached three-car garage also has an elevator and looks across to the detached guest house and four-car garage The detached guest house has a four-car garage The grounds are covered with no-maintenance In People Mark Toomey invites readers to support the community as they rebuild and rent a street legal golf cart Nestled in between the sea and the land is Siesta Key Village A prominent part of what makes Siesta Key such a desired travel destination is its beautiful beaches and the businesses that surround it This barrier island is home to businesses that reside on the streets of Ocean Boulevard or Beach Road Getting back to normalcy and rebuilding after these two storms has been a journey of strength for both the residents and business owners and its surrounding areas encountered several feet of storm surge and strong winds during Hurricane Helene and then experienced a head-on hit by the eye of the hurricane during Hurricane Milton several days later The spirit of the Siesta Key community has been evident as residents and business owners work tirelessly to restore the charm of their beloved island One of these businesses that closed their doors for 38 days Sun Garden Café been a prominent location on the island for 16 years With a combination of hippy and beachy vibes Sun Garden Cafe is home to good food that can be enjoyed in a place that promotes happiness From Bikini Bagels to Surfer Tacos there is something for everyone to enjoy closed their doors for a week in mid-September for a refresh a new refrigerator and other changes was then shifted to having to respond to having eight inches of water inside of their restaurant after Hurricane Helene The team at Sun Garden Cafe re-drywalled where the water seeped through “I like to say that Helene did the damage and then Milton extended the misery,” says Rick Munroe We look better than new after the refresh and the clean-up after the two storms Being shut for 38 days brings perspective but we are in a bright spot ended up being exactly what we wanted.” As Sun Garden Cafe opened its doors on a sunny day in late October they welcomed back their regulars along with new customers “I believed everything was going to be okay the customers and even Suzanne and I experienced storm fatigue it was a healing experience to reopen and get back to normalcy” A couple of doors down on Ocean Boulevard is Foxy Lady has been there from the very beginning 52 years ago Creating a spot that brought high-end fashion to Sarasota Foxy Lady brought a new demand to the region In the 1970s when Siesta Key lacked the popularity it has now Eible worked with others in the area on the beautification of Siesta Key “We were planting every tree that is in the village and trying to make it a place that people would like to come and visit there were not a lot of people visiting because there were not a lot of stores Slowly but surely we started attracting more and more businesses leading to Siesta Key becoming a destination for tourists,” says Eible Foxy Lady has seen and undergone every hurricane that has visited Siesta Key for the last half a century Armands Circle bore the brunt of the storm “The inside of the store was covered in sludge In two weeks we replaced all of the walls and fixed electrical and plumbing It was like starting from scratch,” says Eible With Foxy Lady on Siesta Key being located higher up the flooding associated with Hurricane Helene affected what was in the storage important documents disappearing as the water filled the building As Eible and her team restored their location on St the location in Siesta Key Island was open and ready for business “Everybody was supporting one another volunteering their time to clean up and just the overall positivity,” says Eible a one-stop destination for fun activities to help visitors enjoy the area had no expectations for experiencing the devastation of the storms Mark Toomey decided to start RobinHood Rentals as a nod to where he is from in the UK—Nottingham the company has flourished due to the influx of tourism that came to the area One of the first businesses to start renting golf carts on the island RobinHood Rentals has become a staple within Siesta Key Village Toomey and his family run the operations at their multiple locations on Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island As Hurricane Helene approached and RobinHood Rentals boarded up their doors in preparation for what was to come when travel on the barrier island was deemed safe Toomey and his family went to check up on their rentals and the building itself As they arrived they were met with floodwaters that had found their way into their storefront that feeling when you are first hit with the image of everything is bewildering bikes and golf carts were sitting in two feet of water A lot of the Siesta Key merchandise that tourists love was ruined It was devastating on all fronts,” says Toomey Hurricane Milton brought more debris and sludge to the businesses right as they finished cleaning up from Helene “It was a feeling of ‘Here we go again With Helene no one expected it to be as bad as it was so we made sure to take extra precautions when Milton passed through,” says Toomey To give back to the community they loaded up two truckloads of Siesta Key merchandise and transported them to donation centers for the Salvation Army and Florida Youth Ranch They gave away the 100 bikes and 12 scooters to staff that worked in the village.“We stood out there and asked ‘Anyone want free bikes?,’ and let me tell you those bikes were gone in about 20 minutes,” says Toomey Robinhood Rentals proves that even in the face of nature’s fury “All you can do is take it one day at a time Just keep putting one foot forward and deal with it daily.” Thompson Leaves a Legacy of Learning at Ringling College Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota's Executive Director Ringling College TOWN HALL Lecture Series Announces Speaker Change Celebrate the sprit of our hometown with SRQ Magazine boutiques and philanthropic hearts of Sarasota Bradenton Area and the Barrier Islands on the West Coast of Florida We invite you to experience living and loving local - in print and online SRQ Media transforms what it means to live and love local through its portfolio of hyper-local print and online publications including its flagship city regional SRQ Magazine and video production division Moving Stories and non-profit development division Story Project The SRQ Media team leverages its strong audience footprint to catalyze visionary community programs such as SB2: Regional Symposia Series SkillSHARE and ProjecThinkby engaging individuals to positively impact their hometown of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area situated on the vibrant West Coast of Florida cultural and education organizations and not-profits throughout the year with custom programs and sponsorships Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInSARASOTA (WWSB) - Good news for Siesta Key residents: your roads are almost ready for work again Resurfacing and milling operations will resume on Monday The project was suspended due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and to allow time for recovery efforts in the area Below is a map showing the roads that will be resurfaced and those that have been finished so far Work will be done on local and residential roads first Construction will occur Monday through Saturday 7 a.m The project is expected to be completed in Summer 2025 Resurfacing Siesta Key is part of a Sarasota County-wide roadway resurfacing program Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp modifications roadway base repairs and school zone sign improvements All motorists may expect some lane closures and should seek alternate routes whenever possible emergency vehicles will always have unrestricted access Pedestrians and motorists should use caution while traveling through the area and expect some minor delays County commissioner continues coyote crusade District Judge Hunter Carroll ruled that Sarasota County must reinstate approval for developer Dave Balot’s proposed megahotel to be built on slightly more than two acres of prime land on Siesta Key I was a plaintiff in one of those lawsuits which challenged the hotel projects on the basis that they clearly violated the county’s existing Comprehensive Plan restricting density and intensity for transient accommodations on the barrier islands the commissioners knew that the county could possibly lose these lawsuits yet they proceeded anyway to approve the Balot megahotel – which was also in violation of the Comprehensive Plan the county rescinded not only the ordinances approving the two hotels which were the subject of the lost litigation but also – using the same reasoning –the permit application for the Balot hotel Balot proceeded to sue Sarasota County on the procedural basis that no one had challenged the approval of his hotel within the 30-day window allotted for such Comprehensive Plan violation challenges defended its rescinding approval action by arguing that similar types of hotel proposals were found by the courts to be in violation of its Comprehensive Plan An 'Alice in Wonderland' rulingJudge Carroll ultimately agreed with Balot the judge essentially stated that everyone knew Balot’s hotel violated the Comprehensive Plan – and thus it was illegal – but that because no objection had been raised This is the "Alice in Wonderland" world we live now in A world where up is down and down is up – and a world where it's OK to build something illegal if no one realizes the need to challenge it Even disregarding the absurdity of a legal system that favors procedure over substance it is unfathomable that back in 2022 the county commissioners had such little regard for the sanctity of Sarasota County's own Comprehensive Plan And it is also unfathomable that the commissioners actually approved a third megahotel on Siesta Key while two other proposals for megahotels were still tied up in litigation While it is obvious that the county commission cannot approve something which is illegal I would further argue that it does not have the authority to approve something that it had every reason to know could be illegal the Balot hotel approval should have been rescinded because of this “ultra vires” action taken by the county commission But there still remains a course of action open to the county commission to restore common sense and right the wrongs that its actions have caused The county commission has an absolute right to rectify an error in judgment – and had the county simply defended the Balot litigation on that basis we likely would not be in this situation today if such a common-sense approach been taken the county would not be facing the prospect of witnessing the construction of a monument that will serve as a visible symbol of the bad judgment it demonstrated by allowing its own Comprehensive Plan to be violated For the good of the residents of Siesta Key – and for the restoration of faith in good governance – I urge the Sarasota County Commission to rescind approval for the Balot megahotel without delay Rob Sax is the vice president of Protect Siesta Key Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival USA TODAY and Sarasota Herald-Tribune reporter Zac Anderson kayaked to Siesta Key to tour and photograph the destruction Siesta Key is a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota Siesta Key is about 236 miles away from Steinhatchee where Hurricane Debby came ashore in August and about 255 miles away from Keaton Beach where Hurricane Idalia struck in August 2023 When Milton hit, residents of Siesta Key were still dealing with the damaging winds and massive storm surge from Helene less than two weeks ago which left feet of sand piled up around houses and cars and severely damaged buildings along the coast Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Claire Reid contributed to this report The whopping price tag of this 11,606 square foot home is $31,500,000 The mansion sits on 2.78 acres with six bedrooms this home has many upgrades with a pool and full-size tennis court It's listed by Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker Realty SIESTA BEACH — While many of us take a break from school during the month of March Sarasota County is asking visitors to dip into the classroom “It’s a great way to find out about all things beaches it’s really about preservation and conservation of this great ecosystem along the coastline,” said Jonathan Poyner Poyner said when it comes to caring for the county’s 35 miles of pristine coastline everyone needs to work together every Thursday throughout the month of March Beach University offers free classes on everything from wildlife under the beach pavilion right next to the sand “What better place can you be right,” said Poyner “Siesta Key was just awarded number four in the world and number one in the country by Trip Advisor and that’s really voted on by the people who travel.” like county Wildlife Specialist Allison Moran who focused her lesson on sea turtles and shore birds and I don’t ever remember having an outdoor classroom up there,” said Moran “And to be able to talk about our unique sea turtle population in this setting is really spectacular we have the highest density of nesting sea turtles on the gulf coast.” Classes range in size from 30 to 100 people “Education is power and if we can learn about things and prevent our human ways of destroying things because the beauty is why we are all here,” said Kathy While several others in attendance are here on vacation “I think it’s really important for us to know about the ecology our sweet dear children are going to be inheriting this world so I really want them to be good stewards of it,” said Melody Baillargeon Latest Hillsborough County News from ABC Action News One of Sarasota's oldest bars and most popular nightspots now serves food offering a more complete dining experience than it has in decades you’ll now find high-top tables adorned with food menus These sit under the watchful gaze of the massive shark overlooking what is now both a dancefloor and dining area There are also new tables for dining customers outside party people — The Beach Club will still live up to its name at night Sarasota’s best new restaurant serves up delicious Italian food in a cozy setting 10 exciting new restaurants opening in Sarasota area in 2025 10 most legendary restaurants in Sarasota area Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday Beach Club Siesta Key now serving food like never beforeOriginally opened on a dirt road in 1947 the Beach Club has been recognized as one of Sarasota County's trendiest nightclubs for decades something I've observed firsthand since frequenting the establishment at 5151 Ocean Blvd. the Beach Club has undergone renovations and stayed relevant with various events and electronic music that attract night crowds of twentysomethings while also serving as a laid-back destination for us more And never before has the club offered anything quite like what you’ll now find The Beach Club's food menu features a large selection of seafood middle neck clams steamed with white wine and garlic butter steamed black mussels with white wine and garlic butter and snow crab legs steamed with white wine and garlic butter For those craving something other than seafood — perhaps to help soak up all those shots — the Beach Club also serves a Cuban sandwich "We have a steamer bar now set up behind the bar along with a high-speed oven." food is served from noon until about 8 or 9 p.m. and then we run a late-night menu after that without the seafood Carter described The Beach Club's history with serving food "But now we have 10 high-tops with beach-style chairs and menus and there's definitely more of a restaurant/bar vibe during the day than there has been in decades." was an 'old honky-tonk kind of thing'Christopher Brown and Mike Granthon who also own other Siesta Village establishments such as The Hub Baja Grill have run the Beach Club for nearly 20 years — though they were visiting the club at least a decade before buying it “Twenty-five years ago, when I got here and Mike got here, this was the place to come,” Brown told my colleague Jimmy Geurts in 2017 Brown recalled that the Beach Club was "a beer and a shot joint.” He added “It was half the size of this; it was small that’s what I see — just an old honky-tonk kind of thing It wasn’t glamorous by any stretch of the imagination.” the Beach Club is among the hippest spots in the region serving everything from raw oysters to burger sliders to accompany an evening of drinking and dancing — or perhaps watching a Kiss tribute band featuring little people This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could 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