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Sarasota News Leader December 27, 2013 Page 30 actually a pretty darn good September. [The period of 2012, rentals for the holidays "are looking stronger. … People are obviously season is] really stretching out." unhappy with the cold weather and they are Events such as the Siesta Key Crystal Classic on their way down." Master Sand Sculpting Competition in November have drawn more and more visi- Additionally, she points out, having checked tors to the area during what traditionally was last week with representatives of a number of a slower part of year, he points out. "It's ben- condominium complexes on the island, she learned the key should be quite busy with efitting a lot of people." tourists over Christmas and New Year's. Although the percentages of growth vary among his Siesta Village properties — The Early signs are that season itself will be very Hub Baja Grill, The Cottage and The Beach busy, too, she notes. One person emailed her Club — Brown says he has seen steady on Dec. 19 to reserve a scooter car for three increases with each. "The weather has been weeks in April. very, very helpful," he adds with a chuckle, At the Best Western Plus Siesta Key, General referring to balmy temperatures in Sarasota Manager and Co-Owner Maria Bankemper compared to frigid conditions in many other tells The Sarasota News Leader she thought sections of the country. the hotel's superior numbers in 2013 could not be matched, but "I'm elated that we are pacing Restaurateurs are not the only ones noticmuch better than in previous years" for the ing growth. Sheila Lewis, co-owner of Siesta first quarter of 2014, in terms of reservations. Sports Rentals on south Siesta Key, says that while the company's numbers right now are She also has heard from rental properties on about the same as they were during the same Siesta that bookings are looking good. Libby's Café + Bar in Southside Village has continued to see steady growth. Contributed photo