WHAT'S HAPPENING: Otters swim, and 7-11 sinks

“With that influx of money, our thinking has all of a sudden become a little larger.” — Norm Dumaine, president of the Glen Oaks Estates Homeowners Association, on the possibilities for Fruitville Road Park using part of the city’s BP settlement. 

What's the buzz?

The long-standing 7-Eleven in Siesta Key Village closed Jan. 3, but island residents will likely recognize the new owners. Jim Syprett and Jay Lancer bought the convenience store property for $1.6 million last week after nearly a year and a half of talks with 7-Eleven’s corporate owners. The pair also own the five neighboring properties to the south, including Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar and Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.
Here's what our Facebook readers had to say about the property's sale:

"Juice bar with organic salads and soups." Patti Waller

"How about a Siesta Key Rum tasting room?" Troy Roberts, CEO of Siesta Key Rum

"Oh please, let's see another tourist destination which overuses simple syrup and cheap beer." Pati Beardsely

"I guess all the 7-11 business will now go to circle K. That will probably increase traffic at businesses near the the circle K." Adam Robinson

"Need another 24/7 Connivence store there. Odd how 7-11 left because it seemed always busy." Damon Powers

MEETINGS

Siesta Key Village Association meeting – 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, Daiquiri Deck, 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key

City Commission meeting – 2:30 and 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 1, City Hall, 1565 First Street, Sarasota