Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/341318
Siesta Seen from the email. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m., Donna Thompson, the county's assistant zoning administrator, has informed Toomey. The County Commission first will address the matter during its morning session on Wednesday, Sept. 24, Gaddie continued. At that meeting, the board is expected to vote to advertise a public hearing on the proposal. The public hearing is set for Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the afternoon. Thompson asked that SKVA members in sup- port of the revision attend those meetings, Gaddie added. "There are legitimate concerns still," Kay Kouvatsos pointed out, referring to evidence that some Village merchants have refused to comply with the proposed outdoor dis- play parameters as a show of support for the revised ordinance. Toomey and other committee members had asked all business owners to abide by the recommended new guidelines while county staff worked on getting the matter before the Planning and County commissions. THE NEXT CRYSTAL CLASSIC The dates have been announced for the fifth annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition. The event will be held Nov. 14-18, featuring the work of 24 "premier master sand sculptors from all over the world," a news release says. "The Crystal Classic has become a favorite of many of the professional sand sculptors who have competed [in it]," the release adds. "Citing the beauty and cleanliness of the pris- tine white sand, sculptors have remarked that their sculptures look almost as if they are 'carved in marble,'" the release notes. The 2014 schedule includes the following: • All-day viewing of the works Nov. 14-18. A special Mobi-Mat will be placed on the sand for easier walking on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 17 and 18. • A "Vendor Village" with more than 50 booths will be open Nov. 14-17. • Live entertainment will start at noon Friday, Nov. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 16. • An amateur sand sculpting contest will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15. • Siesta Santa will be seated on his sand throne again, "making a great photo op for … Christmas cards," the release notes. • A new event will be offered this year: Taste of Siesta on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 6 to 10 p.m. This fundraiser will feature more than 15 local restaurants, an open bar and live music by Alli & the Venturas. Advance tickets will be $40. Off-site shuttle service will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15 and 16, from Riverview High School on Lords Avenue, the release adds. Proceeds of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic benefit Mote Marine Laboratory's sea turtle research and conservation programs. Sarasota News Leader July 4, 2014 Page 86