Just For Fun
Last week the Sarasota Herald Tribune did a story about the fishing village of Cortez in West Bradenton. This is a small community on the east side of the Cortez Road bridge to Anna Maria Island which has been a base for commercial fishermen for many years. Since we love to find great restaurants on the water, we decided to check it out.
There are several restaurants in the village: The Cortez Kitchen, Star Fish Company and the recently opened Swordfish Grill which we decided to try. They have a large area of outdoor seating right on the bay complete with a modified tiki bar. The menu has a good variety with an emphasis on fresh fish as you would expect.
They bring in fresh Florida oysters from Apalachicola and have them served raw or cooked in many different ways. I’m told they raw oysters were quite good. I ordered the crabcake sandwich which was a pleasant surprise as they are made inhouse and the predominant ingredient was Crab! The fresh catch was mahi and you could order it prepared any way (grilled, blackened, fried). Marty enjoyed it grilled and served on a ciabatta bun.
They have a full bar and great selection of beer so if you’re looking for a place to spend an afternoon or evening on the water check it out. We were glad we did!
Susan Guice is a Licensed Real Estate Assistant with The Cleary Group in Sarasota.
Our spring weather is perfect so it’s a fun time to take in one or more of the many events and adventures in and around Sarasota! Check out just a few of the activities happening during the month of May:
|
Date |
Event or Activity |
Location |
Click Link for More Information |
| May 1st | The Needle Exhibit | Venice | Venice Archives |
| May 2nd | The Buskers at St. Armands Circle | Lido Key | St. Armands Circle Association |
| May 3rd | Art After 5 at the Ringling Museum of Art | Sarasota | Ringling Museum of Art |
| May 4-6th | Sunshine State BMX Association Florida Cup Series | Sarasota | Florida BMX |
| May 4th | Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| May 4th | Live from Downtown It’s Friday Night | Sarasota | Downtown Sarasota Alliance |
| May 5th | Classic Corvettes on the Circle | Lido Key | St. Armands Circle Association |
| May 5th | 36th Annual Siesta Key Sand Sculpturing Contest | Sarasota | Siesta Key Village Association |
| May 5-6th | Sailfest Regatta | Sarasota | Sarasota Youth Sailing Program |
| May 5th | Cinco de Mayo and Taste of Latin America Festival | Sarasota | Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce |
| May 10th | Riverview Kiltie Band Spring Concert | Sarasota | Kiltie Band |
| May 11-12th | Afternoon Tea at the Ritz | Sarasota | Ritz Carlton |
| May 12th | Old Miakka Farmer’s Market | Sarasota | Crowley Nature & History Center |
| May 13th | 7th Annual Mother’s Day Brunch | Sarasota | Selby Gardens |
| May 16th | “The Emmanuel Point Ships: Florida’s Earliest Shipwrecks” | Sarasota | New College of Florida |
| May 17th | Get Down Downtown, Old Main Street | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| May 19-20th | Pro & Amateur Disc Golf Tournament | Sarasota | Sarasota Sky Pilots Disc Golf Club |
| May 19th | 85th Annual WWII at Venice Army Air Base, Static Air Show | Venice | City of Venice |
| May 19th | Mainly Art, Old Main Street | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| May 19-20th | 9th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Fair | Sarasota | Art Festival.com |
| May 19th | Heatstroke and Hot Rod Hoedown | Bradenton | WSLR.org |
| May 24th | Opening Reception @ Art Center of Sarasota | Sarasota | Art Center Sarasota |
| May 26th | Venice Brew Bash, Import and Craft Beer Festival | Venice | Venice Mainstreet |
| May 27th | A Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| May 28th | Sarasota Memorial Day Parade | Sarasota | Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau |
| May 28th | Myakka Blues Festival | Venice | Snook Haven |
| May 28th | Salute to Veterans Concert | Sarasota | Sarasota County Parks |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to Search for Sarasota Homes. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
Susan Guice is a Licensed Real Estate Assistant with The Cleary Group in Sarasota.
This past weekend Marina Jack was host to the 30th Annual Suncoast Boat Show. Boat enthusiasts were treated to hundreds of different boats as well as all the new boating gadgets. Whether you are a fisherman, day cruiser, or yachtsman there was a huge selection to check out. Boaters love the water, dogs, island music, delicious food and cold beverages. All of which could be found at the show. The weather held out and was a perfect day to stroll up and down the docks and take in all the spectacular boats. Every time we attend an event like this we are reminded of what an incredible town Sarasota is and how lucky we are to live and boat here!
The winter season is winding down now so it’s a great time to enjoy one or more of the many events and adventures in and around Sarasota! Check out just a few of the activities happening during the month of April:
|
Date |
Event or Activity |
Location |
Click Link for More Information |
| April 1st | Sarasota Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Festival | Sarasota | Florida Nautical Flea Market |
| April 1st | DeSoto Heritage Seafood Fest | Bradenton | Hernando DeSoto Historical Society |
| April 1-15th | Ring of Fire – The Johnny Cash Musical Show | Bradenton | Manatee Players Theatre |
| April 3rd | Baltimore Orioles vs State College of Florida Exhibition Game | Sarasota | State College of Florida Sports |
| April 4th | Courthouse Square Concert | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| April 5th | Sailor Circus Spring Show | Sarasota | Sailor Circus |
| April 6th | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| April 7th | 12th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Games | Siesta Key | Siesta Key Village Association |
| April 13th | The Meadows Chorus Annual Spring Concert | Sarasota | Meadows Chorus |
| April 13-22nd | Sarasota Film Festival | Sarasota | Sarasota Film Festival |
| April 14-22nd | Sarasota Open Tennis Tournament | Longboat Key | Sarasota Open |
| April 14th | Old Time Music Jam | Bradenton | Folk Jam |
| April 14-15th | 34th Annual Siesta Fiesta | Siesta Key | Art Festival |
| April 14th | Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Championships | Sarasota | Florida International Rowing Association |
| April 14th | DeSoto Bottle Boat Regatta | Bradenton | DeSoto Heritage Society |
| April 13-15th | Sharks Tooth Festival | Venice | Sharks Tooth Festval |
| April 18th | Munchtime Musicales Free Concert | Sarasota | Sarasota Concert Association |
| April 19th | Get Down Downtown | Bradenton | City of Bradenton |
| April 21st | Suncoast Barbecue Bash | Venice | Suncoast BBQ Bash |
| April 21st | 2012 YouthArts Fest | Sarasota | Sarasota Arts |
| April 22nd | Oscar Scherer State Park 23rd Annual Earth Day Festival | Osprey | Oscar Scherer State Park |
| April 25th | An Evening with Yanni | Sarasota | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |
| April 27th | Live from Downtown It’s Friday Night | Sarasota | Downtown Sarasota Alliance |
| April 28th | Gulf Coast Cheese Fest at G Wiz | Sarasota | Gulf Coast Cheese Fest |
| April 29th | Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Waterski Show | Sarasota | Ski-A-Rees |
| April 30th | Meet the Sky, Observational Astronomy | Siesta Key | Siesta Key |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to Search for Sarasota Homes. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
Susan Guice is a Licensed Real Estate Assistant with The Cleary Group in Sarasota.
For more than 26 years, the Beach Bistro has been Anna Maria Island’s most romantic fine-dining destination. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the scenic backdrop and spectacular sunsets make it the perfect place to celebrate special occasions or simply relax after a long day.
The Beach Bistro boasts the highest Zagat ratings for food and service in the 
state of Florida and is enthroned in Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Hall of Fame and has been awarded numerous Wine Spectator awards for having “one of the best wine lists in the world.”
The mission of the bistro is simple: to provide you with one of the best dining experiences that you have ever had. Offering superior service, the Beach Bistro is where fine dining, culinary excellence and a spectacular Gulf view, meet.
The Beach Bistro is located at 6600 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34218. Hours of operation are daily from 5-10 p.m. Reservations can be made by phoning 941-778-6444.
Get more information online at www.BeachBistro.com.
Alex Krumm is a Broker-Associate with Re/Max Alliance Group, a short sale expert, and a GRI. He's a service oriented agent with the state-of-the-art tools to empower you in your next real estate transaction. You can also see him online at www.sarasotapropertygroup.com.
New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
Do you want the best cheeseburger in probably the whole state of Florida? We found it! It is even served in one of those old-fashioned wax paper wraps that gets good and greasy! This old-Florida (circa 1929) outdoor restaurant is window service only. The restaurant is open as early as 7AM to feed the fishermen breakfast as they head out to the Gulf through New Pass. They also serve beer and wine and doggy-dining is allowed. Their award-winning cheeseburger with a side of fries is only 7.99 and the view of the pass and New Pass bridge is second to none. They also serve hot dogs, delicious fish sandwiches, subs and more. Right next door is a full bait shop so come by car or by boat and enjoy this local eatery (and let’s try and keep it that way…) Come and relax here for breakfast or lunch on your way out to Mote Marine. You won’t be sorry! Address: 1505 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. New Pass Grill Website
Joe Cleary is a Broker Associate with The Cleary Group at RE/MAX Alliance Group. He is a Graduate of the Real Estate Institute (GRI), Certified Depressed Property Expert (CDPE) and a certified Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR). Call Joe with any real estate questions you may have toll free at 877-814-1233!
Spring is in the air! Take time to enjoy one or more of the many events and adventures in and around Sarasota! Check out just a few of the activities happening during the month of March:
|
Date |
Event or Activity |
Location |
Click Link for More Information |
| March 1st | Brown Bag Concert Series at Phillippi Estate Park | Sarasota | Sarasota County Parks & Recreation |
| March 2nd | Live From Downtown It’s Friday Night | Sarasota | Downtown Sarasota Association |
| March 2-3rd | Encore Out East, A Tour of Luxury Homes | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota Orchestra |
| March3-25th | Otello | Sarasota | Sarasota Opera |
| March 3-4th | 11th Annual Downtown Venice Art Classic | Venice | Art Festival |
| March 3-9th | Orange Blossom Festival | Bradenton | Mixon Fruit Farms |
| March 4th | Sarasota Season of Sculpture – Under Azure Skies | Sarasota | Season of Sculpture |
| March 5th | Bird Naturalists at Myakka River State Park | Sarasota | Myakka River State Park |
| March 5th | Spring Training Opening Day – Baltimore Orioles | Sarasota | Baltimore Orioles |
| March 6th | FST Improv – Sarasota’s Original Anti-Depressant | Sarasota | Florida Studio Theatre |
| March 7th | International Folk Dance Session | Sarasota | Sarasota International Folk Dancers |
| March 8th | Bluegrass Jam at Bee Ridge Park | Sarasota | Sarasota County Parks & Recreation |
| March 9-10th | PODS Englewood Music Festival | Englewood | Englewood Music Festival |
| March 10th & 24th | Old Time Music Jam @ DeSoto Memorial Park | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| March 10-11th | Celebrate Wellness Fest | Sarasota | Phillippi Estate Park |
| March 11th | Sarasota Ski-A-Rees | Sarasota | Ski-A-Rees |
| March 14th | “Two Pianos” Coffee Concert Series | Sarasota | Artists Series Concerts |
| March 17th | GuitarSarasota Concert: Johannes Möller from Sweden | Sarasota | GuitarSarasota |
| March 17th | Pug Parade on the Circle and St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | Lido Key | St. Armands Circle |
| March 17th | Venice 85th Anniversary Symphony Free Pops Concert | Venice | Venice 85th Anniversary |
| March 18th | African Safari Tailgate Contest @ Sarasota Polo Match | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota Polo |
| March 21st | Free Munchtime Musicales Concert | Sarasota | Sarasota Concert Association |
| March 24th | Sarasota Springfest | Sarasota | Sarasota Springfest |
| March 24th | 10th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival | Sarasota | Art Festival |
| March 24-25th | Florida Car Marathon | Sarasota to Miami | Florida Car Marathon |
| March 25th | 17th Annual Giving Hunger the Blues | Sarasota | Giving Hunger the Blues |
| March 25th | Tony Bennett at the Van Wezel | Sarasota | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |
| March 28th | Sailor Circus 63rd Anniversary Spring Show | Sarasota | Sailor Circus |
| March 28-31st | Reel Music at the Goldstein Cabaret | Sarasota | Florida Studio Theatre |
| March 29th | Joffrey Ballet | Sarasota | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |
| March 30th – April 1st | DeSoto Heritage Seafood Festival | Bradenton | DeSoto Heritage Festival |
| March 31st | Sarasota Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Festival | Sarasota | Florida Nautical Flea Market |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to Search for Sarasota Homes. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
Susan Guice is a Licensed Real Estate Assistant with The Cleary Group in Sarasota.If you’re looking for something fun and casual on most Monday evenings, check out O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill on City Island right on the Bay in Sarasota. Enjoy cocktails in paradise while listening to the feel good island music of singer-songwriter Mike Sales. (5-9 p.m.) This video was recorded at O’Leary’s.
I think you’ll agree, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Susan Guice is a Licensed Real Estate Assistant with The Cleary Group in Sarasota.
The Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market has been a downtown mainstay for more than 30 years. The year-round, Saturday morning market is a potpourri of fresh produce, food, flowers and plants, fine artisanship, friends and fun. It has become a community happening – a gathering place for people to bring families, friends and even dogs to peruse the displays of garden-fresh produce and unique craft products.
The beautiful setting of downtown Sarasota, combined with smells of fresh coffee and baked goods, and the live performances of entertainers make for an exceptional Saturday morning experience. Meet your neighbors over coffee; enjoy a market breakfast with friends; introduce your dog to others in the area; purchase fresh produce and seafood; find a special gift – it’s all at the Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market.
In addition to the Sarasota market, there are quite a few others in the area:
Bradenton Farmer’s Market
Saturdays from 9am – 2pm
http://www.realizebradenton.com/index.php/farmers-market
Bridge Street Market (Bradenton Beach)
Sundays from 9am – 3pm
http://www.bridgestreetmerchants.com/Market.aspx
Lakewood Ranch Farmer’s Market
Saturdays from 9am – Noon
http://www.lakewoodranch.com/events/event.cfm?eveID=2378
North Port Farmer’s Market
Saturdays from 9am – 2pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturally-North-Port-Farmers-Market/225156474214613
Phillippi Farmhouse Market
Wednesdays from 9am – 2pm
http://farmhousemarket.org
Sarasota Farmer’s Market
Saturday’s from 7am – 1pm
http://www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org/
Siesta Key Farmer’s Market
Sundays from 8am – 1pm
http://www.siestafarmersmarket.com
Venice Farmer’s Market
Saturdays from 8am – Noon
http://thevenicefarmersmarket.com
Yes it is that time of year… Spring Training in Florida. It is a great opportunity to see your favorite team up close. Sarasota County is home to the Pirates (Bradenton), Orioles (Sarasota), Rays (Port Charlotte), Red Sox (Fort Myers) and Twins (Fort Myers). Within driving distance you can also see the Tigers (Lakeland), Blue Jays (Dunedin), Phillies (Clearwater) and Yankees (Tampa).
Check out the schedule of your favorite team at: http://www.floridaspringtraining.com/
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!
Since 1987, Susan has worked with property investors through powerhouse companies such as Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX. As a seasoned real estate agent and investor, Susan’s intimate knowledge of each aspect of the real estate transaction is essential to guiding BUYERS towards their perfect investment. She takes great pride in servicing her SELLERS to get their home “off the market” and sold as quickly as possible.
