Category Archives: Beaches

Sarasota and her islands boast some of the finest beaches in the country. Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key to name a few.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic – More than Sand


 
The Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic will return to Siesta Beach on November 13 – 17, 2015. Come out and see international sand sculptors turn our soft white sand into works of art. And there’s more than sand at this event. Check out this video to see the variety of fun things to do.
See information about this year’s event on the Crystal Classic website.

 
See the winning scuptures from the 2014 event in this video.

 
This is the sixth annual sand sculpting competition held on Siesta Key. To see more videos about the event, visit the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Youtube channel.

Siesta Beach 4th of July

2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the Siesta Key Fourth of July fireworks display on Siesta Beach. This annual free event is sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, chamber members and volunteers.
Ticket sales for a pre-fireworks VIP party contributed to the annual fund raising for this free public event. First Watch was the presenting sponsor for the celebration.

The fireworks display from Zambelli Fireworks is one of the largest in Florida. Chamber members and volunteers put on the big event for over 800 attendees, which included a catered dinner, bar, live music and a preferred viewing area. Live music was provided by Ted Stevens and the Doo Shots.

 

Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks 2014

Annual spectacular fireworks on Siesta Key Beach, the #1 beach in Florida.  Be there for the fun.  Sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, this family event is the best place in Sarasota to see fireworks.

Be a VIP – get reserved parking, a gourmet meal, open bar, live entertainment and more.  Call the SKCC chamber and buy your VIP tickets now!  Only $150 per couple.  Party starts at 5:30 PM on the 4th.    Tickets are on sale now!  Call the Chamber at 941-349-3800 or visit the website: http://www.siestakeychamber.com

 

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 Drum Circle

Every Sunday evening, a circle forms on the beach at Siesta Key. Drummers begin, both talented local players and visitors with small percussion instruments. Belly dancers, hoop dancers and gymnasts join in. No special talent is required, just enthusiasm. Everyone is welcome to join the circle – from toddlers to retirees. When you’re in the circle, it’s almost impossible to be still! Locals do this year round, and – during tourist season – the circle grows tremendously. It’s fun, free and relaxing, so come on over when you’re in Sarasota.