Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/100060
Sarasota News Leader December 21, 2012 Page 93 Siesta Seen that were especially pretty, but they were not agement was unaware of the level of compecontest participants. tition it would be up against. ���Every time we say, ���Wow!��� they���re not on the As we rolled past it on the way to Island Reef, list,��� Catherine agreed. Russell asked, ���What happened to Tortuga?��� Then we slowed down for a look at the entrance to Siesta Dunes. It was on our list, and it probably scored the highest ���WOW��� count for the night, especially as the trolley headed into the interior of the complex. ���It was very dry,��� Catherine responded. After Island Reef, it was back up Midnight Pass Road to Stickney Point Road and Casa Del Mar. Finally, we headed north again on Midnight Pass Road for our last couple of ���Look at those birds,��� Catherine said, point- complexes. ing to all the artful avian shapes adorning the As we returned to Davidson Plaza, Catherine landscape. ���They���re beautiful.��� commended Russell for all the efforts Village ���Honestly, I���ve done this many years, and I restaurateurs and merchants have put into think this is the best I���ve ever seen,��� Commistheir decorations this holiday season. ���I think sioner Patterson said. ���I love the little birds.��� it���s the best year ever,��� she told him. Siesta Dunes won first place in 2011 in its size As Diane collected our scoring sheets, we category. made our way off the trolley and gathered for Like Terrace East, Siesta Sands Beach Resort the traditional judges photo. Just in time for ��� located at 1001 Point of Rocks Road ��� was our deadline she sent me the results: new on our list, and it won more than a few raves as the trolley wound back through its ��� Category 1 ��� First Place: Siesta Dunes; Second Place: Palm Bay Club; Third Place: streets. Gulf & Bay Club; and Honorable Mention: Commissioner Patterson noted that that Horizons West. whole area was under water in June, when Tropical Storm Debby was assailing our coast. ��� Category 2 ��� First Place: Beachaven; Second Place: Crescent Arms; Third Place: TerFortunately, things were merry, bright and dry race East; and Honorable Mention: Tortuga. this night. With a bit of a drive down to our last two stops ��� Category 3 ��� First Place: Sandpiper Beach Club; Second Place: Siesta Harbor; Third on Midnight Pass Road ��� Tortuga and Island Place: Siesta Sands Beach Resort; and HonReef ��� the trolley picked up speed. Tortuga was new on our list, too, but apparently manorable Mention: Harbour Town Yacht Club.