Some days I actually forget that I live in such a wonderful place.  Early Saturday morning, my son Scott and I drove out to Siesta Key Beach to see sand sculptures created by teams of master sand sculptors.  World-famous Siesta Key Beach hosted the event, and Mote Marine Laboratory's sea turtle conservation and research program received the proceeds.  Scott and I wandered around the barricades as we were too early to get through the gates, but we didn't miss anything!  In the center was a sand masterpiece which highlighted the sponsors of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition.  We watched these artists creating incredible sculptures using Siesta Key's crystal white sand.  Someone in the crowd mentioned, these sculptors spray their final creations with a mixtur... 11/22/2010

The 1st Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition is under way on beautiful Siesta Key Beach Florida.  Festivities started on Thursday and continue through 5pm this afternoon.  Master sculptors from around the world are competing for the $25,000 prize. I was fortunate enough to be able to take a quick drive to Siesta Key yesterday to check on the progress of the works of art being created with what is arguably the worlds best sand to use in such a competition.   The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition is more than just a few hours spent in amazement of what these competitors can do with sand.  There are many vendors set up around the perimeter of the event as well as live music for the entire family to enjoy.   There are even clinics ever... 11/21/2010

This morning I went to the Sharks Siesta Key Triathlon run by wwwAltaVistaSports.com to support my brother-in-law, Garry Battaglia and over 900 other racers.  This was Garry's 2nd triathlon and he completed the course in 1:15:35.  Congratulations Garry, you rock! Some more shots of the race: First place winner 1:06:32!       10/03/2010

We have seen the traditional summer slow down for property sales on Siesta Key Florida. There are currently 585 properties for sale, on par with last quarter but lower than the 607 for the first quarter of 2010.  Since July 1st, 2010 there have been 66 sales on Siesta Key with an average selling price of 525k. Average days to close was 250, a slight increase over last quarter.  Sales prices have averaged 90% of list price, a slight decline from the 92% from last quarter.  There are 84 Pending sales which should amount to a higher number of closings for the last quarter of 2010.  The average list price for Active homes is 942k which signifies that homes in the lower price point are selling better than those above 750k. The average list price of the Pending listings is 641k. Stay tuned fo... 09/21/2010

La Siesta, Siesta Key, Florida Investor alert! This is one of the most popular rental properties on the entire Key! There is a very simple reason – if you are standing on the powder white sands of Siesta Key Beach, staring at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, and you look backward for a moment -La Siesta is the building directly across the street! Life is good for residents of La Siesta, when one of the top beaches in the world is just 100 steps away. Most units have beach and gulf views, some have pool views. La Siesta has a pool and clubhouse, but the main attraction is by far that beach. 08/20/2010

Grand Siesta, Siesta Key, Florida Grand Siesta is a small condominium complex comprised of only a few Key West inspired townhomes. Built on the wide canal facing Palm Island on world famous Siesta Key, the units do have boat docks to take advantage of this great location. Grand Siesta is secluded, tropical, yet close to everything. The town homes offer approximately 2600 square feet of living space. They have three bedrooms, private elevators, private pools and two car garages. The lowest level can be used as a game room, storage, workshop, or whatever your imagination can think of! 08/20/2010

Siesta Key, Florida Enjoys Revival! With oil spill fears, economy woes and hot northern temperatures, Sarasota and Siesta Key were remarkably quiet. Although we rely on and love tourism, residents enjoyed a relatively peaceful summer- gorgeous crystal clear water, and wide open sand. It seems, however, that overnight folks have remembered the powder sands and sweeping views; perhaps spurred on by low interest rates and low prices. Siesta Key, once headed for “rich and famous” status, has again returned to its status as paradise for everyone – and everyone is noticing.  (Check out the Siesta Key Webcam!) Sarasota real estate is picking up rapidly, and Siesta Key buyers are out in force. Popular complexes include the Palm Bay Club, Sarasota Gulf & Racquet and Midnight Cove – but there are... 08/19/2010

Pointe on Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, Florida Siesta Key is well known for its sand and beaches. But The Pointe on Midnight Pass glorifies something entirely different. Located at the very tip of Midnight Pass Road, The Pointe is surrounded on three sides by water. The water views include Blind Pass and the Gulf of Mexico , the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, and the Intracoastal waterway. You will also enjoy views of Casey Key and the Sarasota mainland. Turtle Beach is a short stroll up the road. The Pointe has boat docks and offers fantastic canoe and kayak access, complete with racks to store them. This 5 1/2 acre resort offers tennis, fitness, pools and sauna, walking trails with sidewalks and benches, and an outdoor gazebo overlooking the preserve for cookouts and picnics. The Pointe ... 08/19/2010

Sunrise Cove, Siesta Key, Florida South Siesta Key is one of those special Sarasota real estate locations, a little known hidden treasure. Located directly on Sarasota Bay, Sunrise Cove offers the peace, tranquility and beauty of south Siesta at truly affordable prices, considering the views and location. The complex is on Little Sarasota Bay and has in its backyard the natural beauty of Heron Lagoon. Also only a stroll away are several restaurants, including elegant and popular Ophelia’s, a romantic get away with great water views. Although South Siesta is far removed from the bustle of the touristy mid-Key, it is only about a five minutes by car to Siesta Key Village and Siesta Beach. 08/17/2010

Mira Mar, Siesta Key, Florida Sarasota real estate has several distinct faces. There is the vibrant tourist beach condo, the canopy streets of old-Florida lifestyle, the quiet serenity of hidden beach cottages, and the gracious living of waterfront mansions. Mira Mar of south Siesta Key embraces the last of those options. Mira Mar is located on the eastern fork of South Siesta Key on Midnight Pass Road. Its homes are located either along peaceful Heron Lagoon, or direct bay front. Most homes sit majestically behind gated walls, and the flora of South Siesta dominates – lush landscaping, towering palms and blooming tropical flowers will remind residents of Hawaii or the islands. 08/04/2010

Marina del Sol, Siesta Key, Florida The advertisements claim that everyone in Marina del Sol is happy, and we can see why! Built in 2002, it is one of the newest complexes on Siesta Key, and up to all recent hurricane codes. But beyond the practical is the luxurious, and Marina del Sol goes above and beyond.   Marina del Sol also offers another rarity – a private, white sand beach on the Bay side of the Key. This beach is also a great launch site for canoes and kayaks. But should you want the true expansive crystal beach of Siesta, it is a only a two block stroll making this an excellent choice in Sarasota real estate.   Marina del Sol, Siesta Key, Florida   07/24/2010

Dolphin Bay, Siesta Key, Florida Dolphin Bay is a tranquil oasis offering some of the best of Siesta Key life. Located on the water overlooking Little Sarasota Bay and the Intercoastal Waterway, Dolphin Bay is also across the street from Crescent Beach, and a short stroll to world famous Siesta Key Beach. The complex was built in 1998, making it one of the newer condo complexes on the Key, and was built after the sweeping hurricane code reforms enacted in 1996. The complex has heated pool and spa, Har-Tru tennis courts, a Key West inspired clubhouse which has been newly renovated, fitness center and day docks. Take a walk out to the pier for great fishing, embarking on your boat trip, or to put a kayak in the water. Dolphin Bay - Siesta Key 07/24/2010

Grand Siesta, Siesta Key, Florida What would you include when creating a great Siesta Key getaway? The beach? A great tropical ambiance? Grand Siesta may be for you. The town homes were built in 2003 and offer about 2600 square feet of living space. They have three bedrooms, private elevators, private pools and two car garages. The time is now to get into Sarasota real estate, especially these great deals on the Key! 07/17/2010

Investor alert! Get in on one of the most popular rental properties on popular Siesta Key! No parking woes for residents of La Siesta, when one of the top beaches in the world is just 100 steps away. The powder white sands draw people from all over yje globe, and in this property, they have a front row seat. Most units have beach and gulf views, some have pool views. La Siesta has a pool and clubhouse, but the main attraction is by far Siesta Key beach. You won't even have to take the car out of your space to get a great meal - a gorgeous 15 minute walk up the beach and you are in Siesta Key Village, with its quaint shops and diverse restaurants. Whatever your favorite cuisine - casual or upscale - its all here. Try some of the local favorites -the Blase Cafe, the Broken Egg, and the ev... 07/17/2010

Hidden Harbor, Siesta Key, Florida When people think Siesta Key, they most often think of beach cottages, gulf front condos and a bustling tourism haven. But a more exclusive and hidden side of Siesta Key exists on the bayside. Hidden Harbor is located directly on the deep waters of Roberts Bay, and offers a luxurious lifestyle to those who love boating. Sweeping bay and city vistas are taken in from upscale and opulent homes of all types and styles. Hidden Harbor properties enjoy large lots, most over half an acre; and docks reaching to seventy feet and beyond sitting on deep canals or direct bay. You are just minutes from Gulf  Waters, bring the boat, jet skis and canoe! Consisting of only two lush canopy streets, Hidden Harbor is beautiful and represents a spectacular Gulf Coast isla... 07/13/2010

Riegels Landing, Siesta Key, Florida Riegels Landing is situated at perhaps one of the best locations on Siesta Key to take advantage of everything the island has to offer. Sitting just beyond the Midnight Pass and Beach Road split, it is just a short 3 minute walk to the #2 beach in the country, Siesta Key Beach. Definitely a great option in Sarasota real estate. It is a leisurely bike ride through canopy streets to Siesta’s quaint and newly spruced up Siesta Key Village, and offers wonderful waterfront views. Click here for more info on Riegels Landing. 07/11/2010

Harbour Towne, Siesta Key, Florida In the Sarasota real estate market, some communities just seem to have it all.  Harbour Towne is one of them. Located virtually across the street from world famous Siesta Key Beach, you can walk to the white sand without having to jockey with anyone for a parking space. The complex is also located directly on a private inlet, with spectacular water views and resident-owned boat slips. This gated condominium complex offers a community pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse and security. Units are spacious, nearly 1500 square feet, and have garages. Pets are welcome, up to twenty pounds. Rentals are allowed at one month minimums no more than three times per year. For anyone interested in rental income, this is the kind of complex guests return to year after ... 07/10/2010

Crystal Sands, Siesta Key, Florida What a perfect name for a beachfront condominium on Siesta Key! The white sand beach stretches for miles in both directions from this popular community, and the vistas are second to none. Click here for more detailed info on Crystal Sands. For those interested in Sarasota real estate, Crystal Sands provides a wonderful possibility. Located on Crescent Beach, Crystal Sands includes the Gulf side tower offering one, two and three bedroom condos as well as the villas leading up to the beach.  The tower has elevators, covered parking, and allows pets; the gulf front pool is the best place to be on a hot day. Beach and pool chairs are available. The villas provide two bedrooms, two baths; have garages and laundry in unit. Although they do not have the same ... 07/09/2010

Fishermans Cove, Siesta Key, Florida Fisherman’s Cove, at the southern end of Siesta Key, is one of the best locations on Siesta Key. The beautiful Gulf views, beachfront lifestyle, and quiet seclusion make this community a winner! Fisherman’s Cove is a small enclave offering spectacular views of Turtle Beach direct from your unit. Click here for more information on Fishermans Cove. This is a true beach to bay complex, as out your front door is beautiful Heron Lagoon. The complex provides boat docks, a swimming pool, and has just completed an exterior renovation making this an excellent option in Sarasota real estate. Heron Lagoon is popular for fishing, watching cranes and ibis, or spotting manatee and right off your boat dock. You can launch a small boat, canoe or kayak from the dock... 07/09/2010

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has published a computer model that represents the likely path of the oil in the Gulf of Mexico. They have declared that Sarasota, and specifically the beaches of Siesta, Lido, Longboat and Casey Keys have a less than 1% chance of being affected by the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf. This news comes on the heels of a composite computer model constructed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) which also has the oil missing Sarasota entirely.   07/07/2010