Tag Archives: Siesta Key

Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Magic in the Sand

Make your plans now to attend the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition.  Get an up-close look as international sculptors compete for prizes on the crystal white sand of the best beach in the US!
There’s a legend that the pure, fine white sand on Siesta Key has magical properties.  Come and see it shaped into ethereal works of art.  Talk to the artists, watch demonstrations, get free sand carving lessons, hear live music and visit vendors stands where you can shop, eat and drink.  There’s fun for children and adults at this 4 day event.
Enjoy the art and support the Mote Marine Sea Turtle Program at this year’s event – November 9-12, 2012.  Get more information at the Crystal Classic website or call the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800.  Make sure you use the off site shuttle service for the easiest access.

Opening Day at Siesta Key Crystal Classic Honors Veterans

Opening day of the 2011 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition honored U.S. Veterans. Eileen Parkinson was MC for the event which featured the sand sculpture of The Raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima. This magnificent sculpture was created by Brian Wigglesworth, Master Sand Sculptor and a founder of the Crystal Classic.
A color guard, speakers and patriotic music were part of the ceremony.
Video by Studio F Productions, Inc.

Siesta Key Florida – Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition 2011 Winners

The 2nd annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Competition was held in November 2011 on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida. This contest drew international sculptors and over 40,000 visitors to Siesta Beach. This video features the World Sandsculpting Doubles Champions – Karen Fralich and Dan Belcher. This team won First Place, the People’s Choice award and the coveted Sculptors’ Choice award.
The 3rd annual event will take place on Siesta Key Beach from November 9-12, 2012.
Make your plans now to attend.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sponsors

It’s time to sign up to help sponsor the third annual Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition!  The Crystal Classic brings the very best sand sculptors from all over the world to Sarasota, Florida.
The entire community appreciates the local sponsors who generously support this world class sand sculpture event.  This year’s event will be held November 9-12 on Siesta Beach, the number one beach in the US, so it’s appropriate that it benefits the Mote Marine sea turtle research program.
Please say “Yes!” when you’re asked to sponsor the 2012 event.  If you have questions about how to get involved, call the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at (941) 349-3800.

Siesta Key Corona Wide Open Beach Volleyball

Siesta Key, the #1 rated beach in the country, was the first stop on the Corona Wide Open elite beach volleyball tour. This tournament with a $50,000 purse was the first of four events leading up to the US Open of Beach Volleyball. The event, which drew top professional players in both men’s and women’s divisions, was sponsored by the Sarasota County Sports Commission, a division of the Visitors and Convention Bureau.  Several teams included local area players.  Beach volleyball is fun and exciting to watch, plus it’s free!  Two more tournaments are planned in June, so come on out and see them!

Siesta Key Dig the Beach Volleyball

Siesta Key beach hosts the adults and juniors volleyball tournament on May 21-22.  See them compete for cash prizes on the white sand of Siesta beach. Watch hard bodies hit the sand to the sound of house/dance music…a unique experience.   Details at Dig the Beach.

Siesta Fiesta 2011 in Siesta Key Village Sarasota

Siesta Fiesta is a 2 day event with lots of things to do and see – art, crafts, food, drinks and music.  Saturday and Sunday, the main village street is shut down and filled with brightly colored paintings, sculpture, hand made clothing and jewelry.  It’s a shoppers dream.  Or you can just sit back with a cold drink and your choice of fiesta food and watch the people go by.  This festival draws mainlanders and vacationers to the key in big numbers, so you’ll see island residents walking or riding their bikes to avoid the traffic.  Held each year in April or May, check the date and come on out and enjoy Siesta Fiesta!

Siesta Key Sarasota Florida Spring Break

Spring Break is still happening on Siesta Key Beach!  Come on out to the key.  Although crowds this time of year can swell to 15-20,000 on the main beach – this beautiful location  offers several miles of perfect sand – so you can always find a quiet secluded place if that’s what you’re looking for.  Relax in the sun and work on your tan. Right now the beautiful gulf water is the perfect temperature for swimming.  And, no matter the temperature, our sand never gets hot on your feet!
The Siesta Key village has live bands and DJs playing music at night, shopping, bikini contests, good food and drinks all within easy walking distance of the beach. Siesta Key is a friendly and welcoming place to spend your spring break vacation.

Sarasota Film Festival – Beautiful Noise by Steve Tatone

Film lovers in Sarasota have anxiously anticipated Beautiful Noise, a film directed by Sarasota local – Steve Tatone.  And it has sold out numerous showings in the Sarasota Film Festival.  Steve spoke with us about film making in Sarasota.

Next time you’re on Siesta Key Beach, look for Steve – he often walks the beach for inspiration.  See the Beautiful Noise trailer here:

Siesta Key Spring Break

Siesta Key is a great place to be for Spring Break!  And it’s not just a beach destination.  During March and April, the island demographics change radically – from mostly snow birds to lots of students on spring break!
During the peak of the season the main beach will have up to 20,000 spring breakers on it, with another 10,000 on the remaining miles of white sand beach. The village changes from quiet and leisurely to party central as more and more students visit during their spring vacation. 
And it’s not just the beach you’ll enjoy.  Siesta Key village has shopping, restaurants and clubs just off the beach; so you’ll find plenty to do after a day on the sand.  Walk around the village, and you’ll hear live bands and DJs playing music in several different night spots. This year 2 bikini contests are on going at two of the clubs in the village.  There’s a variety of good food and drinks available within easy walking distance.
Come on out to the island.  You’ll find that Siesta Key is a friendly and welcoming, and safe place to spend your spring break vacation. By the way if your not convinced yet, Siesta Key beach was voted the best beach in America.