Snook Season is Upon Us

We mentioned in our post on our other Casey Key Blog: http://caseykey-real-estate.blogspot.com/ about the fantastic fishing opportunities in the Sarasota area being one of the many reasons to relocate here. Well one of those opportunities has just begun: Snook season just started on Tuesday, September 1st.

Snook are one of Florida’s most sought after game fish. Also known as “linesiders”, they are easily identified by their distinct lateral line along their sides. They can reach lengths up to 4 feet and can weigh more than 50 pounds. Snook are highly regarded as one of the top eating fish in Florida. But you will not find them on restaurant menus…it is illegal to buy and sell Snook.

If you want to eat Snook, you have to catch it yourself, or have a good neighbor. My former neighbor on Casey Key Kenny Reutlinger (who has now passed away) would go fishing off his dock at two or three in the AM. He would be knocking on my door the next morning with plate in hand with a Snook all prepared and ready to go in the oven. Now that is the way I like to fish for Snook.

Snook can be a hard fish to catch. You need to use a long leader, because once hooked they will turn fast and cut your line. Snook prefer shrimp and come around the docks looking for shrimp especially when your Snook light is attracting shrimp and other bait fish at night. The Herron Group has two listings for wonderful Snook fishing. One is 2108 Casey Key it is a Gulf to Bay property on Casey Key with good boating water. The other is 7785 Manasota Key which is a Bay Front on Manasota Key. It has a large covered dock and open slip. Both properties have a Snook light.

The Snook Foundation, founded by William R. Mote of Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, provides excellent information on regulations, conservation, and events in the area, including the Kids Fishing Clinic and The Snook Shindig.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Lido Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, and Island of Venice, or mainland Country Club. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Remembering Hurricane Charley

Today marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Charley and its massive surge of damage to Southwest Florida and our state as a whole.

Charley formed as a Tropical Depression on Monday, August 9th, 2004 off the coast of Grenada. The storm quickly moved west and gained strength, becoming a Tropical Storm by early morning on Tuesday, August 10th. By afternoon, Charley had organized into a hurricane, becoming the third of the 2004 Atlantic Season.

Gradually moving over the Gulf of Mexico, Charley rapidly intensified the morning of Friday, August 13th. By 2 pm that afternoon, Charley was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching over 145 mph.

Charley’s erratic path made it difficult to determine where it would make landfall. Initial reports expected the storm to hit somewhere near Tampa, but at approximately 5 pm, the storm veered. The wrath of Charley made landfall near Charlotte Harbor, damaging the coastal cities of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. The storm followed along the Peace River corridor, devastating the small towns of Arcadia, Zolfo Springs, Sebring, and Wauchula. Charley continued along the path through Orlando and eventually made its way out of Florida at Daytona Beach, emerging as a Category 1 storm.

Hurricane Charley is considered the 5th costliest hurricane in US history. It attributed to over $5 billion in property damage and $285 billion in agricultural damage in the state of Florida. Charlotte County saw the most damage with over 80% of its buildings destroyed including hospitals, schools, the local airport, and hundreds of homes.

As we look back on this day, we know it is nearly impossible to be fully prepared for the destruction left by a natural disaster, but there are steps we can take to minimize that destruction. The following link to our local news channel, Sarasota’s WWSB channel 40, Hurricane Preparedness page gives you tips on: Making Your House Storm Ready, Shelter Information, Evacuation maps, Survival Kits, Boat Safety Tips, and After the Storm. Their Hurricane Guide can be downloaded and printed for your convenience.
Be prepared and stay safe!

The Sarasota's Barrier Islands had very little damage from Hurricane Clarley.

The Herron Group / RE/MAX Alliance Group , Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron would be glad to show you any of the homes or condos listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Islands of Bird Key, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, Longboat and Lido Key. Call 941.350.5035. or 800.789.6580

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been at the center of the City of Sarasota’s dynamic performing arts scene for over 35 years. Built along the bayfront in 1968 and partly funded by a bequest from Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel, the hall brings a wide range of first-class performances and artists to the Sarasota community.

The hall opened its doors in 1970 with a performance of Fiddler on the Roof. Since then, a host of Broadway shows, world-class symphony orchestras, top national and international performers, and an array of dance troupes have performed to meet the theatrical needs of Sarasota’s residents and visitors.

The Van Wezel’s unique design and color have helped in making the building a Sarasota landmark. The seashell design was the brainchild of William Wesley Peters, an architect with Taliesin Associated Architects of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the lavender and purple color scheme was the idea of Wright’s widow, Olgivanna Lloyd Wright. The 1,736-seat hall also offers a spectacular dining opportunity at Michael’s at the Van Wezel, the delectable cuisine of Michael’s on the East in a fabulous dinner buffet.

There are still many great shows to catch in the 2009 season, including Kathy Griffin Live (appearing Aug. 14th), Camelot, Avenue Q, and the Moscow Ballet performing The Nutcracker, and the 2010 season has a wonderful calendar already booked.

The Van Wezel is located along Sarasota’s beautiful Bayfront and easily accessible from any of the Downtown Sarasota Condos or barrier islands.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key or Manasota Key. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Golden Apple Dinner Theater “Always a Good Dinner, Always a Good Show”

Located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, the Golden Apple Dinner Theater has been providing top-notch dining and entertainment to our area since 1971. It is the longest-running, continually operating, professional dinner theater in America. The horse-shoe shaped theater seats 281 guests and serves a delicious buffet dinner before presenting an entertaining production on its 704 square-foot stage.

In its 38 years of business, the Golden Apple has produced over 300 plays and musicals, including 5 original plays (one of which went to Broadway). The plays and musicals presented have been seen worldwide on stages in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Ontario, and Hong Kong - to name a few.

The buffet dinner is just as popular as the shows. With selections such as Carved Prime Rib, Roast Loin of Pork, chicken dishes, vegetarian dishes, a salad bar, and a selection of desserts along with a full service bar offering mixed drinks, beer, and wine, there is something to satisfy everyone’s delight.

The Golden Apple Dinner Theater is right over the Ringling Bridge from Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key in the heart of Historic Downtown Sarasota.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key. Call 941.350.5035.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Sarasota’s Barrier Islands Escape to Paradise

Several barrier islands separate Sarasota’s mainland from the Gulf of Mexico. These islands are known as the “keys” and include the islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key.

Longboat Key and Lido Key are the northernmost barrier islands in Sarasota County. They are known for their pristine, private access beaches and world-class shopping and dining at St. Armand’s Circle which lies midway between the two keys.
Bird Key lies just east of Lido Key and is home to one of the most exclusive residential communities in the country.

Siesta Key is the most well-known of the Sarasota barrier islands. This 8-mile island is known worldwide for its white sandy beach-made of 99% pure quartz, it is always cool and soft to the touch. Siesta Key Beach has made the top ten of Dr. Beach’s “Best Beaches in America” list for three straight years, coming in second place in 2009. Siesta Key Village offers shopping and dining in a laid-back atmosphere.

Casey Key lies just south of Siesta, but has a very different feel. Casey Key is “Old Florida” at its best. A canopy of tropical trees and Australian pines cover the winding road that leads you to luxurious homes, quaint inns, and beautiful beaches.

Manasota Key is the southernmost barrier island and lies off the coast of Englewood. It is home to four wonderful beaches each offering much to do. Two thirds of Manasota Key is in Sarasota County and the South third is in Charlotte County. Manasota Beach boasts 14-acres of sandy dunes along the Gulf of Mexico and offers sheltered tables, barbecue pits, boardwalks, and bathhouse facilities. Blind Pass Beach has over 60 acres of nature trails and is great for fishing and swimming. Englewood Beach has a concession stand, picnic tables, and recreation areas and is located close to local restaurants and shops. Stump Pass Beach is a narrow strip of beach, great for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The north end of Manasota Key offers private homes on one-acre lots.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Explore the Secret of the Seas at Mote Aquarium

For anyone visiting the Sarasota area, Mote Aquarium is a must-see. A local favorite, the Aquarium is on City Island located between the barrier island of Longboat Key on the North and Lido Key’s St. Armands Circle on the South.

This unique attraction is first and foremost, a research facility. Eugenia Clark founded the facility in 1955 primarily for shark research. It is now a world-renowned marine laboratory in the areas of aquaculture, coastal ecology, and marine mammal rehabilitation – to name a few.
Mote opened its aquarium in 1980, displaying Florida’s marine life for all to see. Mote allows you to explore the secrets of the sea with touch pools, shark, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits and over 100 other species of marine life.

Mote visitors can learn about the ocean’s top predators and shark research at the Shark Habitat, a 135,000-gallon tank with nurse sharks, bull sharks, blacktips, and sandbar sharks – among others. At Shark Tracker, visitors take on the role of Mote scientists and learn how sharks are tracked in the wild or find out what it’s like to be a shark in the exciting 12-minute movie at Shark Attack Theater.

A favorite for children, the Aquarium has two touch pools: at Contact Cove, get close to horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and sea urchins and at the Ray Touch Pool you can touch sting rays with no worries – their barbed tails have been removed.

Now the main attraction: The Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center where visitors can see resident manatees Hugh and Buffett, loggerhead and green sea turtles, and resident dolphins, Harley and Moonshine.

When your visit to Mote Aquarium has ended, take a ride over to St. Armand’s Circle for some fine shopping and dining.

According to My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service here are the figures for Longboat & Lido Keys:

Longboat Key Single Family Homes for Sale there are 164 Active Listings priced from $179,900 to $9,995,000. There are 15 Sale Pending and there have been 35 Single Family Homes Sold this year.

Longboat Key Condos for Sale there are 414 Active Listings priced from $48,995 to $5,000,000. There are 55 Sale Pending and there have been 101 Condos Sold this year.

Lido Key Single Family Homes for Sale there are 47 Active Listings priced from $475,000 to $9,800,000. There are 5 Sale Pending and there have been 16 Single Family Homes Sold this year.

Lido Key Condos for sale there are 102 Active Listings priced from $159,900 to $3,999,000. There are 4 Sale Pending and there have been 22 Condos Sold this year.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Lido Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, and Island of Venice. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Curry Creek Café A little known gem with an eclectic flair

“Eclectic” is defined as selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles and the Curry Creek Café does just that. They take the best in various types of cooking styles and serve them up with a hometown feel.

Housed in a diner-style building on Tamiami Trail South in Nokomis, a short distance from Casey Key this little-known gem is anything but “diner style”. Once you get past the building and its dirt parking lot you will find some of the most outstanding food in Sarasota County.

The dining area is small but its charm is immediately felt with the vintage photos and memorabilia from the area. The food is nothing short than amazing. Chef/owner David Arbuckle is a Nokomis native who left the area to become an award-winning chef. His wife, Rofie, is from Indonesia, and though fairly new to the restaurant business, adds her signature to the menu with her wonderful egg rolls, coconut milk shrimp curry, jasmine rice, and traditional rendang (a beef stew).

Between Rofie’s Indonesian dishes and Chef David’s creativeness with the more traditional favorites such as meatloaf, lamb chops, and crab cakes, this is a restaurant not be missed.

West of Curry Creek Café are several bay front homes on Sunrise, Sunset, and at the end of Sunrise in the Anchorage a gated enclave of homes. There are currently seven homes listed for sale priced from $795,000 to $3,475,000. So far this year two homes have sold in the Anchorage.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron , the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed in the Nokomis area or on any of Sarasota Barrier Island’s of Island of Venice, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido and Longboat Key. Call 941.350.5035 or 800.789.6580.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream