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items; add a couple of clothing stores, one casual and one classy, and maybe a flower/ garden shop with an exhibit of native plants. A hotel with a compact footprint and adjacent garage could replace some of the buildings in the southeast corner of the property along U.S. 41. Some street-level parking might remain in this and a few other well-chosen areas. What I do not see is a cultural/arts center. Is it logical to place indoor venues alongside majestic water views? Also, there would be a finite number of patrons who could be accommodated due to limited parking. Additional venues are likely to require stag- gered events; for example, a concert in one facility could not go on simultaneously with a ballet performance at another. Of equal importance, there are several city sites where cultural attractions could spur development or redevelopment. The almost vacant strip mall, formerly anchored by Publix, on Ringling Boulevard is one possible location. This is one vision for the waterfront. What is yours? % COMMENTARY Everybody all over the world seems to know about our magnificent Siesta Beach, the one people remember for its pow- dery-white silk-like sand that always stays cool to the touch. After it was named the No. 1 beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach in 2011, its popularity qua- drupled. And, thanks to its newly expanded parking lot, visiting Siesta Beach has become a little easier. However, I would like to acknowledge the other large public beach on Siesta Key — Turtle Beach, located on the southern end of THE OTHER SIESTA KEY BEACH By Harriet Cuthbert Contributing Writer the key. It takes a short simple drive along Midnight Pass Road to reach the large color- ful sign welcoming visitors to Turtle Beach. As I drive into the parking area, I pass the only beachfront RV campground on my right and a beautiful, lush and shaded picnic area on my left. The latter is occupied by a large family preparing a feast for the day. After I park my car, I can easily walk across the lot to see a beautiful lagoon that has a cement boat ramp, offering quick access to the water for those with kayaks and motor- boats, plus a few docks built for fishing or just plain meditating. The birds and fish cir- cling the area also seem quite content. OPINION Sarasota News Leader August 8 & 15, 2014 Page 99