WHAT'S HAPPENING: Roundabout art and south Siesta Daiquiri Deck

Center of attention

On Sunday, city crews worked to assemble and install a 20-foot-tall, 2,500-pound sculpture in the center of the roundabout at Main Street and Orange Avenue. The artwork, entitled “Embracing our Differences,” was approved in October, the first in a planned series of sculptures that will be located in the city's roundabouts.

What's the buzz?

Everybody's a critic — including our readers, if the reactions on our Facebook page are any indication. Here's what you had to say about the new roundabout artwork:

“Love the vibrant colors. Would love to see local installations go to local artists — many worthy visionaries here.” — Carolyn Davis Cockey

“I love the theme and message behind the sculpture. HOWEVER, this is another distraction for those that don't respect the roundabout YIELD signs!” — Mary Unger

“Two words: UG LY!” — Dan Higgs

Daiquiri Deck to open new space

South Siesta Key will soon have its own Daiquiri Deck.

The restaurant brand aims to open a new location at the top of a three-story building on Stickney Point Road by Christmas, said co-owner Troy Syprett in an interview with the Siesta Observer. Syprett, along with co-owners Russell Matthes and Matt Grover, also operate restaurants in the  Siesta Key Village, St. Armands Circle and Venice.

According to permits filed with Sarasota County this week, the group plans to spend $1.2 million on a new building that will be on the same property as CB’s Island Outfitters, which used to be a gas station. The new structure will sit on the west side of CB’s, which will retain ownership of the entire parcel.

“Siesta Key is kind of two markets,” said Syprett. “You’ve got a slot of short-term accommodations down there, and because of traffic, it’s its just difficult to get up to the Village.” 

A coffee shop similar to Perq in Southside Village will occupy the bottom floor of the new building, Syprett said. The group will use the second story as storage, and patrons will be able to enjoy views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico from the restaurant.

Quote of the week

“We're hoping people will want to get the stain and jump on the bandwagon.” — Julie Bales, on a program to paint sidewalks on St. Armands Key red.

By the numbers

$45,000 — Cost to put on the Siesta Key Fourth of July fireworks display.

67% — Proportion of affected merchants that must approve of Thunder by the Bay street closures for the city to issue permits for the event.

18 — Stories in the new bayfront Ritz-Carlton condo the Kolter Group is planning, a follow-up to the developer’s Vue Sarasota Bay project.