There really is a person whose title is “Dr. Beach” and he is not some marijuana laced, wrinkled-skin hippy who survived the 60’s and still lives on a beach. He is a professor here in Florida and he has taken on as his life’s passion of research and implementation of programs to protect, save, and improve American beaches. Each year he publishes a list of America’s top ten beaches. Each year the criterion for the study changes a bit. Now he focuses on water quality, beach and 
facility cleanliness, access, etc.
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key has been on the list several times (not in top ten in 2007). The beach is very unique (I visited here when Barb was in Puyallup, thus have blogged this before) in that it is made of quartz, pure white, and has the consistency of corn starch. It squeaks when you walk on it. It is set in an urban island outside of Sarasota. Low level condos and apartments dot the key.
Since it was Valentines Day, Barb had planned a quiet picnic dinner at sunset on the beach. We packed the cooler and drove through Sarasota. We st
opped a few places to admire this city. Clean, rich, artsy, and historic. The Ringlings (circus) have left their legacy here in art museums, performance halls, and schools.
We arrived at the beach around 2 p.m. There were about 3 times the numbers of people on the beach than I had seen last month. Valentines Day and the 3 day weekend were mentioned as the reasons for the crowds. It was a cool day. We are further north and the storm here two days ago has left some residual coolness. It only got up to 74 degrees. Yes, I hear your collective sighs in mock sympathy.
We sat on the beach and read. Barb walked the squeaky sand at water’s edge that extended as far as the eye could see in both directions. As it neared sundown the activity increased. It turned out that a local radio station had advertised a “renew your vows” celebration at Siesta Beach at sundown. Couples started showing up with a variety of dress from purple moo moos to tuxes and wedding dresses. Limos drove into the parking lot.
For a fee, the lady would receive a red carnation, you could stand with the crowd, repeat your vows led by a local DJ, get your picture taken by the official photographer, and each of you would receive a paper validating that you had renewed your vows and a vanilla cupcake with white frosting. Needless to say, our quiet sunset interlude became a circus. It was fun to watch th
e dynamics unfold. 496 couples took part in the event.
The sun set in its glory, the wine and pasta were excellent, the not so quiet interlude was still another treat in this unfolding smorgasbord of life.
facility cleanliness, access, etc.Siesta Beach on Siesta Key has been on the list several times (not in top ten in 2007). The beach is very unique (I visited here when Barb was in Puyallup, thus have blogged this before) in that it is made of quartz, pure white, and has the consistency of corn starch. It squeaks when you walk on it. It is set in an urban island outside of Sarasota. Low level condos and apartments dot the key.
Since it was Valentines Day, Barb had planned a quiet picnic dinner at sunset on the beach. We packed the cooler and drove through Sarasota. We st
opped a few places to admire this city. Clean, rich, artsy, and historic. The Ringlings (circus) have left their legacy here in art museums, performance halls, and schools.We arrived at the beach around 2 p.m. There were about 3 times the numbers of people on the beach than I had seen last month. Valentines Day and the 3 day weekend were mentioned as the reasons for the crowds. It was a cool day. We are further north and the storm here two days ago has left some residual coolness. It only got up to 74 degrees. Yes, I hear your collective sighs in mock sympathy.
We sat on the beach and read. Barb walked the squeaky sand at water’s edge that extended as far as the eye could see in both directions. As it neared sundown the activity increased. It turned out that a local radio station had advertised a “renew your vows” celebration at Siesta Beach at sundown. Couples started showing up with a variety of dress from purple moo moos to tuxes and wedding dresses. Limos drove into the parking lot.
For a fee, the lady would receive a red carnation, you could stand with the crowd, repeat your vows led by a local DJ, get your picture taken by the official photographer, and each of you would receive a paper validating that you had renewed your vows and a vanilla cupcake with white frosting. Needless to say, our quiet sunset interlude became a circus. It was fun to watch th
e dynamics unfold. 496 couples took part in the event.The sun set in its glory, the wine and pasta were excellent, the not so quiet interlude was still another treat in this unfolding smorgasbord of life.
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