FL - VENICE • NOKOMIS • CASEY KEY • OSPREY • SARASOTA - Florida

http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/VeniceOspreySarasotaCaseyKeyFL

I'm gathering LOTS of other information & making LOTS more lists so e-me at SarongGoddess@gmail.com


SARASOTA RESTAURANT "WEEK" - June 1-14, 2010
http://SarasotaFL.org/savor


VARIOUS WEBSITES ON THE SARASOTA AREA:

http://SarasotaFL.org

http://DiscoverNaturalSarasota.org

http://Facebook.com/SarasotaForFree

http://Facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/ilovedowntown


I left the Venice, Nokomis, Casey Key, Osprey, Sarasota - Florida area July 2004 but I as getting "signs" from the Universe that I was to move to Costa Rica for some "Bigger Purpose" (boy has the growth here been BIG with LOTS MORE to do!!) but I was & am VERY MUCH STILL IN LOVE with the area & Goddess forbid IF I HAD to go back to the States, I'd go back to the Venice, Nokomis, Casey Key, Osprey, Sarasota area in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, when I lived there, that was in my pre-digital camera days - heck - any camera days so I don't have lots of pictures (other than many of those below that were taken with a regular camera & later taken with a digital camera) but here are some photos of mine as well as some being shared by friends (including some that used to live in Costa Rica till they said "NO MORE!!" They're now sharing pictures to help make me more homesick [interesting one might think considering I am FROM Southern California - grew up 10 minutes from Disneyland & the beach, lived in the San Fernando Valley, San Francisco for 17 years & San Diego [near the Zoo] for 4 1/2 years that my heart at this point would still be in this area I only lived in for 3 1/2 years but it was TOTALLY a "Spirit Driven" move that brought me here & I LOVE this area!!)

I hear times are VERY CHALLENGING (EVERYWHERE) & LOTS of things are closing down but maybe you might find this photo album interesting if you're going to visit or move there.
CLOSED: Albertson’s, Kmart (ALL), Day’s Inn, Holiday Inn



Spiritually I've been BIG TIME missin' Rev. Pat at Angel Ministries & the Wed. & Sat. Sunset Drumming Circle on Nokomis Beach/Casey Key https://vimeo.com/105491327 (created by Andy Browne!) • http://NokomisBeachDrumCircle.com - & Sun. night on Siesta Key in Sarasota [more party atmosphere though])! See more pictures from Nokomis & Siesta Key's Drumming Circle at http://NokomisBeachDrumCircle.com/gallery/index.php?next=10

My FAV Restaurants - ESPECIALLY ANYTHING on the menu at Casey Key Fish Restaurant (& Skeeter!!) & the Tiki Hut, M&D in Osprey (ESPECIALLY their YUMMMM Greek dishes, strawberry waffles & their rice pudding), Frankies Italian in Osprey (my FAV place for Veal Piccatta!!), Marco Polo HUGE Chinese Buffet, Ichiban Sushi (especially their ALL-They-Can-Eat Sushi order FROM the menu!! [do they still have it???]), Morton's Gourmet Market/Deli (ESPECIALLY their Chopped Chicken Liver, their pastries & their prepared food section!!), Wee Blew Inn (especially for their All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Chips on Friday), Mi Pueblo's Mexican food, Sunset at Sharkey's on the Pier, the Crow's Nest, Thailand, the Soda Fountain's old fashion, the Waffle House's Strawberry Waffles, the Gold Rush's B'bque, iHop (again - strawberry waffles!!), the Frosted Mug (for their A&W Root beer floats & chili burgers), Left Coast Seafood (for their HUGE seafood menu & many daily specials), Perkin's Pies & other tasty food. I ESPECIALLY miss KingFish BUT, I hear Alan & his sis & mom Sue have opened a new place across the street that looks FUN - the Lucky Dog Diner!

Dr. Dan the Chiropractor (the BEST Chiropractor around!!), Jessica's Stand (organic market on Fri. & Sat. in Sarasota), Whole Foods, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, The Flying Gaono Brothers (I was friends with Richie back in Calif in high school & re-aquainted with him [Richie] when I moved to Venice & now on Facebook]).

And a bit outside - Warm Mineral Springs, the homemade peppermint stick Ice Cream at Sweet Scoops in Port Charlotte!!

Oscar Scherrer State Park & Native American Pow Wow’s & LOTS MORE!! ESPECIALLY my friends & old neighbors (ESPECIALLY the gang & my home at Bayfront!!!)!!!

Things that are no longer that I want to acknowledge as they were BIG parts of my time there - my FAV "new agey" type store Serenity Gardens (grhs Pam) & my fav herb store Cathy's Sweet Sage!! H2Only Bait for my 18+ pairs of Crocs (I think they're still there but not carrying the Croc's any longer???).

THANX to ALL that made my time in the Venice, Osprey & Sarasota area so WONDERFUL & who knows, one day - IF I leave Costa Rica, in a HEARTBEAT I'd return to you as I left a BIG piece of my heart there!!!


FLORIDA COUPON NETWORK: http://ForidaCouponNetwork.com


UPCOMING EVENTS / CALENDAR: http://woman-spirit.com - has many Spiritual-type events.
Nov. 14 (Sat.) - 8am-4pm - SARASOTA NATURALLY (351-3740) - People in Celebration of Natural Living. LOCATION: Main Street & 5 Points Park - it coincides with the Downtown Farmer’s Market

Dec. 5 – 2009 BOAT PARADE


SOME OF VICKI’S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA (no promises that they’re still open) – Note – Florida has a NO-SMOKING LAW!!

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE http://CaseyKeyFishHouse.com / 966-1901) - Vicki's FAVORITE RESTAURANT in the area!! They RE-OPENED their FABULOUS WATERFRONT TIKI BAR which is quite the place on the weekends (nightly IN Season!!). Give a BIG HUG to bartender Skeeter [a SWEET & Spiritual Dolly Parton-ish look-a-like] & owner Jimmy [who LOVES Costa Rica]). HOURS: Daily 11:30am-9pm (Note: The restaurant usually closes right after Labor Day, through the end of September, for end of summer vacation). LOCATION: CASEY KEY - Off Tamiami Trail - turn West onto Blackburn Point Road & they're just over the North Swing/Hanging Bridge onto Casey Key [off Tamiami Trail]

M&D COUNTRY KITCHEN (966-2068 / http://MAndDCountryKitchen.com / info@MAndDCountryKitchen.com) - A REAL Down Home COUNTRY KITCHEN!!! I LOVE this place!! & I LOVE to site ALFRESCO on their outdoor patio!! So NON-pretentious where the emphasis is on GOOD HOME COOKIN’ & GOOD Service!! MY FAV dishes here - their BELGIUM STRAWBERRY WAFFLES (when in season), GYROS ($6.75) & ALL of their GREEK dishes (ESPECIALLY the MOUSAKA as well as their SOUVLAKA & SPANAKOPITA) & LAMB SHANK (with Spaghetti ($11.95)!!! They also have tasty MEATLOAF, Fresh Roast Turkey & Pork, Grilled Pork Chops, LIVER & ONIONS, numerous fish dishes++++++. SANDWICHES: Patty Melt on RYE, REUBEN, Hot Open-Faced Roast Beef or Turkey (with mashed potatoes & gravy ($7.50), SOUVLAKA Sandwich & all the standards & LOTS MORE!! They also have burgers++++!! They have quite a few SALADS from Greek to a Chicken or Salmon Caesar!! They even have numerous SOUP & SANDWICH COMBO SPECIALS ($6.75)!! DESSERTS: MY FAV – RICE PUDDING & their BAKLAVA & PIE!! DAILY SPECIALS ($1 cheaper for lunch though dinner has more [soup, salad, potato & dessert!!]) – examples of things not normally on the menu - Thurs. CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE-$7.50/$8.50. BREAKFAST (a large selection including EGGS BENEDICT [you can even get a 1/2 order of Ebs!!], BISCUITS ‘n GRAVY, GRITS & GOOD HOME FRIES!!) is served ALL DAY!! Service was always REALLY GOOD in this "Diner" style restaurant (though I preferred to) where I felt like I was part of the "family" - always greeted with a BIG Hello & hug to Jimmy & Pam from Vicki (the gal that used to live in Osprey but moved to Costa Rica & always went crazy over the gyros with EXTRA EXTRA Tzatzki sauce, & I ALWAYS asked for EXTRA EXTRA strawberry’s & whipped cream on the waffles!! HOURS: Tues.-Fri. 7am-7pm, Sat.-Mon. 7am-3pm. LOCATION: OSPREY – 115 S. Tamiami Trail - on the corner where the Super WalMart is.

Lucky Dog Diner http://TheLuckyDogDiner.com / 484-4840) Now run by the former owners of the wonderful KingFish Restaurant (owner/chef Alan & his VERY creative artist sister Dawn along with mom Sue. Send a BIG HUG to them from me!!) so I'm SURE this FUN place is REALLY TASTY!! HOURS: 8am-3pm. LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - 620 S. Tamiami Trail - near the Southern Bridge ON Venice Island (across from where their old King Fish Restaurant was)

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN (coming soon - http://FrankiesPizzaSarasota.com / http://pizza.restaurantsinsarasota.com/frankies http://pizza.restaurantsinsarasota.com/frankies / 966-4453) - I ESPECIALLY LOVED their VEAL PICCATA & Garlic Bread Their New York PIZZA is also REALLY GOOD! They have a nice size SEAFOOD menu & a large Hot SANDWICH menu. A real casual Italian feeling place with GOOD service (have Shalane take care of you [not sure if she’d remember Vicki that moved to Costa Rica but almost always ordered the Veal Piccata with EXTRA lemons & capers!!]). HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 11am-9pm LOCATION: OSPREY – 1072 S Tamiami Trail

MARCO POLO BUFFET (412-3988) – My FAV CHINESE BUFFET!! LOCATION: VENICE – 549 US US 41 – Bypass North (in same mall as Big Lots)

ICHIBAN SUSHI (924-1611 / http://IchibanSarasota.com) - ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SUSHI OFF the menu - made-to-order!! [not buffet] with 50 items for JUST $19 GOOD SUSHI & JAPANESE food!!! Give a BIG “Hola” to TONY & his Asian wife [might her name also be Vicki?] from Vicki in Costa Rica. HOURS: Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm & 4:30-9:30pm, Sat. 4-9:30pm, Closed Sun. LOCATION: SARASOTA - 2724 Stickney Point Rd. - Gateway Center.

MY FAVORITE - MORTON'S GOURMET MARKET & DELI (955-9856 / http://MortonsMarket.com / http://facebook.com/thisweekinsarasota?v=wall#!/MortonsGourmetMarket) - They have the BEST Prepared Food Section (hot or cold to take home & eat), the LARGEST section of varieties of olives, I MISS their Chopped Chicken Livers the MOST!! MANY times I'd stop in on a Sun. after service after Rev. Duffy's Center of Spiritual Awareness & get a baguette & container of their DELISH Chopped Chicken Livers!! BIG/AWESOME selection of PASTRIES also!! Great SALAD BAR. LOTS of cheeses. Specialty veges (& ORGANIC). DELIVERY. CATERING. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 7am-8pm, Sun. 9am-7pm. LOCATION: Sarasota - 1924 S. Osprey Ave.

WEE BLEW INN (484-5616) - A total “diner” type place with a good Friday night All-You-Can-Eat FISH FRY - $7.99. LOCATION: VENICE - on the Bypass – 590 US US 41 – Bypass S - just south of the Brickyard - home to Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM - Sweet Scoops (624-3051) – REALLY DELISH HOMEMADE ICE CREAM!!! Sarong Goddess Vicki’s FAV FAV in the WHOLE WORLD is their Peppermint Stick!!! HOURS: LOCATION: PORT CHARLOTTE (though closer to North Port) - 171 Tamiami Trl - WELL worth the drive about 20 min. South.

WAFFLE HOUSE (412-0335) – I REALLY LOVE their Strawberry Waffle with Whipped Cream!!! LOCATION: VENICE - 370 Commercial Ct

THE SODA FOUNTAIN (488-7600 / 412-9860) - A REAL old fashioned Soda Fountain Feel with Cherry Cokes & MORE!!! LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - 349 W Venice Ave (main street)

Lonjevity http://Lonjevity.net) - SUPERFOOD FUSION (By using fresh and healthy ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, fish and meat we are able to eliminate unnecessary junk food without sacfricing great taste. Superfoods, high in antioxidants, fiber, protein, beneficial oils, vitamins and minerals provide the building blocks toward a healthy diet and lifestyle) – HEALTHY EATING!! SPECIALS: Vegan & Vegetarian Pizza Night – Tuesdays 7-9pm EARLY BIRD SPECIALS - Mon.-Fri. 4-6pm. HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm. Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 4-9pm, Late Night Happy Hour (food) – Mon.-Sat. 9-11pm. LOCATION: SARASOTA - 1737 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34239. Across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital

GOLD RUSH BBQ (483-3137 / http://GoldRushBbq.com) - Tasty BBQ food!! SPECIALS – ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT – Tues.-Baby Back Ribs $17.99, Thurs.-Spare Ribs $15.99, Fri.-Catfish $12.99, Sun.-Chicken $9.99. Wed.-Fried Chicken Special. FREE DINNER on your BIRTHDAY!!! HOURS: Sun.-Thurs. 11am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-9:30pm. VENICE - 661 Tamiami Trail South

UPPER CRUST ORGANIC CAFE & BAKERY (244-0430 / http://UpperCrustOrganic.ning.com) - ORGANIC!!! SCONES (even with Devonshire Cream), STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, PIES – BANANA CREAM, Lemon Meringue, Mixed Berry, Peanut Butter, Pecan, Pumpkin; NY CHEESECAKE, FRESH BREADS, BAGELS (10), Muffins, Turnovers,CINNAMON ROLLS. Entrees $16.95-$20.95, Sandwiches $8.95-$10.95. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – Fri. & Sat. 4-8pm – Appetizers $7.95, Entrees (MANY) $10.95. LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - 213 W Venice Ave.

iHOP (International House of Pancakes) (492-2318 / http://Ihop.com) - LOCATION: VENICE - 4369 Tamiami Trail South

MI PUEBLO MEXICAN (486-0005 / http://MiPuebloMexican.com / info@MiPuebloMexican.com) - LOCATION: VENICE - on the Bypass - in the Brick Yard - 530 US 41 ByPass South. Also SARASOTA at Palm Plaza - 4436 Bee Ridge Rd (379-2880) & also University Walk Plaza - 8405 Tuttle Ave. (359-9303) where they also have an ORGANIC MENU!!

LEFT COAST SEAFOOD (485-5064 / http://LeftCoastSeafood.com) - BIG Menu! LOTS of SEAFOOD!!! SPECIALS: EARLY BIRD - 3-5:30pm, 10-15 DAILY SPECIALS, Tues. (all day) -ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SHRIMP. $12.99, Wed. - ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FISH $7.99, Thurs. 30¢ oysters in bar (only), Thurs.-Itswich Clams - $18.99. HAPPY HOUR-11am-6pm. Join their VIP Club & get a $20 Gift Certificate for your BIRTHDAY!!! HOURS: Daily 11am-8:30pm. LOCATION: VENICE - 750 US 41 Bypass North (just north of Big Lots)

Morgan's (966-2125 / http://MorgansSarasota.com) - Cool, Contemporary Restaurant with some tables outside. Coffee Lounge. WiFi. BREAKFASTS - White Peach French Toast, Whole Grain English Oatmeal Brulee, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, SPECIALS: Mon. & Wed. - Lobster $14.95, Tues. & Thurs. Prime Rib - $9.95. Sunday Pot Roast. Daily - 3-course Early Bird Menu - $13.95. Sign up for 10% off & other web specials at http://MorgansSarasota.com/#/join-morgans-sms-club/4539563996 HOURS: Tues.-Sun. - 10am-3pm, 4-10pm. LOCATION: OSPREY-1660 S. Tamiami Trail in Bentley's Resort - 500 yards North of the Oscar Scherer State Park and 500 yards South of Blackburn Point Road, on the West side of the main US41.

STIR THE SOUL Coffee House () - (I THINK THEY’RE CLOSED) LOCATION: VENICE - 525 E Venice Ave. (just before the North bridge) – closed?? I hope not as this was a REALLY Nice Coffee House that had good drinks & LIVE MUSIC many nights!!

SNOOK HAVEN (484-2553 / http://SnookHavenFL.com) - This is a MUST EXPERIENCE thing I never did do but WILL next time I’m back!! Quite the lively place ON a creek, LIVE MUSIC (I think they even have them mid-week/mid-day), I think Sunday is/used to be Biker Day. They have canoes & kayaks you can rent (self-guided - $15/11/2 hr) & offer Terry’s River Tour http://TerrysRiverTour.com) BOAT RAMP. HOURS: Sun. 11am-5pm, Wed. 11am-4pm, Thurs. 11am-7pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-8:30pm (closed Mon. & Tues.). LOCATION: VENICE – 5000 Venice Ave. – Exit 191 off I-75 (take exit 191- River Rd. Turn Left at the 1st traffic light onto a dirt road. Follow until the road ends. From Venice: Travel East on River Rd. and turn Right when you see our sign at the corner of River Rd. and Venice Ave. from points North travel Venice Ave heading South as far as the road goes)

AQUA RESTAURANT & LITTLE WET BAR (918-8041 / http://Aqua576.com) - Entrees run $22.95-$29.95. SPECIALS: HAPPY HOUR (Wet Bar) – Daily 2-7pm - $1-draft, $2-wells, $3-calls. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Daily 5-6:30pm - $19.95 – a 3 course meal (with choices) & a glass of wine. Mon.-Sat. 3-6pm & all day Sun. - $1 Burger Sliders. LIVE MUSIC – Jazz- Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm (upstairs in their casual Little Web Bar). NOTE: They penalize you if you ask for separate checks –adding 18% tip to the bill. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 11am-2pm, Sun. 11am-2pm. LOCATION: OSPREY – 576 Blackburn Point Rd. / Marker 33 if coming by boat (dock).

RENDEZVOUS CAFÉ (492-3663 / http://rdvs-cafe.com) - HOURS: 24/7 (& you can get the WHOLE menu 24/7!!)!! Breakfasts start at $3.99, Dinners $6.99. Some of their special items - The Frito Pie -- Frito® chips topped with chili, onions & cheese, in a crispy tortilla bowl * The Duganator -- A meal-sized quesadilla, "stuft" with chicken, bacon, mushrooms, Pepper jack, & cheddar cheeses with salsa and sour cream on the side * The Spicy Bleu Buffalo Salad -- Crispy buffalo-style breaded chicken strips, with bleu cheese crumbles, tomato, mushroom, & bacon, on a large bed of lettuce. BREAKFAST Specialties - EGGS BENEDICT, CORN BEEF HASH, GRITS, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Peanut Butter & Banana Stuffed French Toast – Hand-dipped French Toast stuffed with bananas and peanut butter. REUBEN, PHILLY CHEESE STEAK, BLUE CHEESE BURGERS, VEGGIE BURGER, CHEDDAR JALAPENO POPPERS, POT ROAST, LIVER & ONIONS, SHEPHERDS PIE, BEEF STEW. SCONES (blueberry, apple or raspberry-white chocolate), a BUNCH of different flavored Cheesecakes & other DESSERTS. A BUNCH of COFFEE DRINKS. SPECIALS – Daily 2-4pm – CHEAP CHEAP CHEESEBURGERS - $1.99. FRI. 11am-10pm - ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FISH FRY (Grouper) - $9.99. WIFI (plus 2 computer you can use). LOCATION: VENICE – 2115 South Tamiami Trail (in Galleria Plaza, next to Frank’s Theater)

Amore's Restaurant (493-3595) - LIVE MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT? LOCATION: VENICE - 2357 Tamiami Trail South

Perkins Family Restaurant & Bakery (497-1154 / http://PerkinsRestaurant.com) - Kinda like a Marie Calendars with tasty PIES/bakery items. LOCATION: VENICE -1331 US 41 Bypass South

Sharky's On The Pier (488-1456 / http://SharkysOnThePier.com) - Sharky's is a MUST DO - PARTY place, the ONLY BEACHFRONT restaurant in Venice, live music often on the weekends in Peak Season but tourist prices & so-so food. See if Peter is still working there!! LIVE MUSIC – Thurs., Fri. (6pm), Sat. & Sun. (8pm), Tues. Trivia. SPECIALS: Thurs. Seafood Steampots – Chef-on-Deck – Spin the “Wheel of Lobster” for special prices!! LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - 1600 Harbor Dr S - at the pier at the southern end of Venice Island.

Pop’s Sunset Grill (488-3177 / http://PopsSunsetGrillToGo.com / PopsSunsetGrill@yahoo.com) - This WATERFRONT (watch the dolphins swim by!!) restaurant has dining ALFRESCO & is at Marker ____ so drive your boat up & ENJOY!! They specialize in SEAFOOD!! A large Appetizer Menu with the standards plus even Fried Pickles!! Burgers, lots of sandwiches from Mahi Reuben, Bbq Pork, Cuban Panini Wrap, Cheese Steak, Big Fish Sandwich++. Fry Baskets range from $9.99 (Fish & Chips) to $12.99 – FRIED OYSTERS & CRAB CAKES. SPECIALS: Mon. – 50% Burgers, Wed. – 25% off Fry Baskets, Fri. – ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FISH FRY. HAPPY HOUR: Daily 3-7pm, SPORTS BAR. LIVE MUSIC (varies). LOCATION: NOKOMIS - 112 Circuit Rd. (off Albee Rd.)

Rosebud’s (918-8771 / http://RosebudsSarasota.com) - VEAL PICCATA - $17.99, PRIME RIB-$17.99-$23.99; T-BONE LAMB CHOPS-$22.99; BLACK ANGUS STEAKS; FRIED OYSTERS $15.99; Shrimp ala Vodka Pasta $16.99; DUCK Bigarade $16.99+++!!! Entrees come with tossed or a tasty CAESAR SALAD, baked potatoes, steak fries, linguine Marinara or veges. If memory serves me, I think they even have CRÈME BRULEE!!!! EARLY BIRD SPECIALS: at least a dozen specials – 4-5:30pm. HAPPY HOUR: 4-7pm – 2x1 well & house wine. They are open most major HOLIDAYS. HOURS: Tues.-Sun. 4-10pm. LOCATION: OSPREY - 2215 S. Tamiami Trail

Anita’s (485-3859) - We LOVE this place – especially for BREAKFAST (though usually packed – especially on the weekend)!! Down Home Cookin’ Comfort food!! MALTS!! EARLY BIRD SPECIALS. LOCATION: NOKOMIS - 441 Tamiami Trail South

Crow's Nest (484-9551 / http://CrowsNest-venice.com) - WATERFRONT dining. LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - north end - 1968 Tarpon Center Dr.

SaltWater Café http://SaltwaterCafe.com / 488-3775) - They have the LARGEST MENU I’ve EVER seen!! Bake Brie "Petit Patre", Oyster Romanoff with Caviar, they even sell US-Belgua, Caspian Sea Osetra Golden or Sevruga CAVIAR, Chicken & Alligator Gumbo, Cold Gazpacho with Shrimp, Shrimp & Lobster Bisque, BIG SALAD menu, HUGE APPETIZER menu, LOTS of SEAFOOD (their speciaty – especially OYSTERS & CLAMS & LARGE SEA SCALLOPS - $13.99-$39.99 [12 oz. Broiled Florida Lobster Tail]), PRIME RIB-$14.99, Maple Leaf Farms Duck a la Orange-$19.99, 10 oz. Black Angus Sirloin "Cafe de Paris"-$14.99, Wiener Schnitzel-$17.99, Black Angus Steaks & Lamb-14 oz. Australian Rack of Lamb-$24.99, Pastas-$13.99-$19.99, BURGERS (including Blue Cheese) - $7.99-$9.99, Meat Loaf-$12.99, LOTS of PIZZAS+++!!! SUMMER SPECIAL – 3-Course meal - $39.99/2. COUPONS (on their website): FREE Mimosa or Champagne with Sunday Brunch – 11am-2:30pm; RAW BAR, LADIES NIGHT Wed. 8pm – FREE DRINK; 2x1 Drink – all day Mon. HAPPY HOUR – Daily noon-7pm & 9:30pm to close & all day Mon. - $4 martinis, 2x1 Well & Happy Hour Wines, House draft – Saltwater Brew 99¢, 4-5:30pm – Wings or Raw Oysters 29¢/ea. WIFI. LOCATION: NOKOMIS - 1071 Tamiami Trail N (U.S. 41 & Laurel Road)

Le Petit Jardin (485-4449) - One of the nices, beautiful, trendy, high-end cafes. LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND – 218 Tampa Ave. West

Phillipi Creek Village Oyster Bar & Restaurant (925-4444 / http://CreekSeafood.com) - A hot spot to go for SEAFOOD - LOCATION: SARASOTA - 5353 S Tamiami Tr

Frosted Mug (497-1611) - A&W Root beer Floats & tasty hot dogs & Chili burgers at this little stand. LOCATION: VENICE -1856 Tamiami Trail South

Lattitudes - SUNDAY BUFFET BRUNCH – REALLY GOOD - $14 (+$1 for unlimited Rogets sparkling wine). ALFRESCO - WATERFRONT. LOCATION: NORTH SARASOTA -

Ophelia (349-2212 / http://OpheliasOnTheBay.net) - ALFRESCO. SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET – 11am-2pm. LOCATION: SIESTA KEY - 9105 Midnight Pass Road

Beckham's Osprey Grill (918-8900 / http://BeckhamsOspreyGrill.net / Annie@BeckhamsOspreyGrill.net) - ALFRESCO. BEEF STROGANOFF-$13.95, POT ROAST, many SEAFOOD dishes. Many DESSERTS. SPECIALS: DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS, Wed. 4pm+ - Chef Tatum’s Steak Out – 16oz. Steak $15.95, Thurs. 6pm+ – TAPAS $6.95/ea., Sun. Brunch comes with a FREE Mimosa or Bloody Mary AND, they DONATE 15% of your check total back to your church!!!! EARLY BIRD SPECIALS - 4-6pm - Blackened Catfish with Cajun Cream Sauce, Grilled Pork Chop, Pasta Selva, Chicken Caesar, our famous Fish n Chips, Tenderloin Steak Tips, Penne Pasta with a rich 3-meat sauce, all served with your choice of soup of the day or salad - $9.95. LOCATION: OSPREY - 1272 South Tamiami Trail in Southbay Shopping Center.

Thai Spice & Sushi (485-3981) - LOCATION: VENICE - 531 US 41 Bypass North

Checker’s Drive-In (497-5445 / http://Checkers.com) - FAST FOOD – I like their Chili Burger!! LOCATION: VENICE – 1721 Tamiami Trail South

ARBY’S (485-9381 / http://Arbys.com) - LOCATION: VENICE – 430 US 41, Bypass N

Taste of Asia - Peter feels it’s the BEST Lao/Thai restaurant in SARASOTA

Althea’s (484-5187) - LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND – 220 Miami Ave. W.

Applebee’s (497-7740 / http://Applebees.com) - Though it’s a mega chain, I actually REALLY LIKE their BURGERS & STEAKS!!! LOCATION: VENICE - 4329 Tamiami Trail South. SARASOTA – 5490 Clark Rd. (925-2595), 5550 Fruitville Rd. (379-2260), 1991 Main St. (955-7234)

Twenty Four Seven of Venice Coffee House - 24/7 (486-1191) - LOCATION: VENICE - 533 US 41 Bypass North

Curry Creek Café (485-6560 / http://CurryCreekCafe.com) - A real INTERNATIONAL menu includes INDONESIAN, MEXICAN, SOUTHWEST, ANGUS BURGERS++. LOCATION: NOKOMIS - 920 Tamiami Trl S

Melting Pot (306-3149) - They specialize in FONDUE. QUITE pricy with special 3-course meals for $78-$94/COUPLE. Traditional Cheese Fondues $16/1-2 + $8/pp.Other fondues $18-$25/pot. Dessert Fondues $16-small, $32-reg. Come with Fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, Rice Krispies Treats®, marshmallows, pound cake and brownie Dippers. A VERY extensive fru-fru/pricy Drink Menu. HOURS. Sun.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 5-11pm. LOCATION: SARASOTA - 1949 Ringling Blvd.

Dino's Pizza (371-3333) - PIZZA BUFFET - LOCATION: SARASOTA - 4290 Bee Ridge Rd

If Tea Cups Could Talk Tea & Coffee House (488-4400) - LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - 239 Miami Ave West

Java Jo's Coffee House (484-6000) - LOCATION: 918 US 41 Bypass South

44th Aero Squadron (486-1729) - LOCATION: 222 Airport Ave West

China Jade (488-8898) – LOCATION: VENICE - 521 Tamiami Trail South

PAD THAI (365-7799) - THAI - HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 11am-2:30pm & 4:30-9:30pm. LOCATION: SARASOTA - 501 N. Beneva Rd.

THAILAND (927-8424) - THAI - LOCATION: SARASOTA

Luna Ristorante - The BEST PIZZA a good friend whom I trust their experience has had in her LIFE!!! LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - St Augustine Ave - 1 block from the main drag


RESTAURANT WEBSITES: http://SunState.com/venice/rest.htm http://DineSarasota.com - They have a “20 Hottest Places to Dine in Sarasota” list - http://DineSarasota.com/The%20List%20Page.htm http://SunnyFloridaVacationRentals.com/venice-vacation-rentals/venice-dining.htm http://TropicalFloridaProperty.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_cpg_A_pg_E_SouthwestFloridaRestaurants http://RestaurantsInSarasota.com http://SeeARoom.com/ve/venice/restaurants-florida-cheap-fine-best-hotels.htm -



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ACTIVITIES

ON-GOING

50 Fun And Free Things To Do In Sarasota Florida - http://SimplySarasota.com/FunAndFree.html
SARASOTA HISTORY ALIVE - http://SarasotaHistoryAlive.com/events
NATURAL AWAKENINGS has a newsletter that has a CALENDAR - http://nasrq.com/dotnetnuke/Resources/tabid/55/Default.aspx http://SarasotaFl.org/events

MONDAY
7:30am, 8:15am, 7:45pm - FREE Yoga Instruction with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion

TUESDAY
7:30am, 8:15am - FREE Yoga Instruction with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion

WEDNESDAY
7:30am, 8:15am, 7:45pm - FREE Yoga Instruction with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion
4-7pm – Energetic Healings (Reiki) – FREE - at Angel Ministries - Venice - http://AngelMinistriesOfFlorida.com/healingcenter.htm

THURSDAY
7:30am, 8:15am - FREE Yoga Instruction with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion

FRIDAY
7:30am, 8:15am - FREE Yoga Instruction with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion
Jessica's Stand - organic market – Sarasota
1st Friday of month – 6-9pm - Art Walks on Palm Avenue hosted by the Palm Avenue Arts Alliance – Sarasota (373-9660) – Galleries & restaurants in the area are open & they often have live performances, FREE!!

SATURDAY
7:30am, 8:15am - FREE Yoga Instruction with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion
10am-3pm (2nd Saturday of month) - PSYCHIC FAIRE at Angel Ministries - Venice http://AngelMinistriesOfFlorida.com/psychicfair.htm) - Readings -$15/15 minutes
About an hour or so before Sunset (it’s VERY spontaneous!!) – SUNSET DRUMMING CIRCLE on the beach - Nokomis Island / Casey Key - (Wed. night also [though sometimes that was mainly in Peak Tourist season]). http://facebook.com/groups/158048962627/?id=10150353118512628
This Is one of the activities I MISS THE MOST living in Costa Rica!!! Bring a drum or some sort of musical instrument & just join in (I put kidney beans in a plastic bottle & called it an instrument) or get in the middle & just move!!! It’s a WILD looking group of people to mainstreamers! They do a Full Moon Potluck on the closets Wed. to the Full Moon so bring a dish/some food to share!! It's a place to JUST BE YOU & COME TOGETHER!! Especially during the peak of SnowBird/Tourist Season (about November/New Years till Easter) you have lots of people new to this concept that WISH they could be more free surrounding them watching (& sometimes partying). OCCASIONALLY/in time some joining in (that’s SOOOO COOL!!!!). Watch VERY CAREFULLY for the “Green Flash” that few people are blessed to see (not me yet) that happens JUST as the sun hits the horizon. People then cheer/bless the day off!! This is NOT the party place that I’ve observed the times I’ve been to the Sarasota circle so even kids are welcome (I think it’s GREAT to bring kids not used to being around “different” types of people as it opens their eyes/hearts to see people that are different are just that – different – NO threat & maybe they’ll feel inspired to be more free in their world!! See pics at http://escape-to-sarasota.com/nokomis-beach.htm / http://NokomisBeachDrumCircle.com There’s a publication - Bay Area Drumming that you can get a free internet copy of at BayAreaDrumming@TampaBay.rr.com
7am-1pm (I’ve also seen noon) - Downtown Farmer’s Market. LOCATION: Sarasota - Main St & N Lemon Ave. http://SarasotaDowntown.com/farmers_market.html
7pm - Spiritual Message & on the 4th Sat. of each month they also have some sort of activity afterwards - inspiring movie, music, or group discussion replaces the usual meditation and message format. I AM HEALING ARTS CENTER -(927-6797 / http://IamHealingArts.com) - LOCATION: SARASOTA – 1918 Robinhood St.)

SUNDAY
About an hour or 2 before Sunset - Siesta Key Public Beach – Sarasota http://SiestaDrumCrcle.com / http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SWFLDrumCircles/). To me, this one is LOTS more of a party place (especially with onlookers drinking). It’s one of the largest ongoing drumming circles in the country.
Last Sunday of Month - SUNSET MEDITATION & DRUMMING FOR PEACE – Sarasota – North end of Turtle Beach


ANNUAL EVENTS
Oct. 16-18 - Sun Fiesta - Venice (223-4046) - Venice Island - Hosted by the Venice Women’s Sertoma


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CONSCIOUS / HOLISTIC / HEALING LIVING

SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT:
CENTER OF SPIRITUAL AWARENESS (this is an Ernest Holmes / Science of Mind - SOM / Religious Science / United Centers for Spiritual Living center- UCSL) http://CenterOfSpiritualAwareness.com / 926-7828) - Rev. Duffy Rutledge (I REALLY REALLY LOVED HER!!!) & Rev. Kathi Bruscemi. SERVICE: Sun. 10:30am. After the service join in community for a tasty lunch prepared by Rev. Duffy (donation). LOCATION: SARASOTA - 3590 S. Tuttle Ave. – in the Sarasota Board of Realtors Building.

ANGEL MINISTRIES http://AngelMinistriesOfFlorida.com / 486-8532-w / 492-4995-church). – Angel Ministries is more woo-woo/esoteric [psychic-y) & MAGICAL – LOTS less “traditional”!!! Rev. Pat (I LOVE LOVE LOVE her!!) also does Cleansing of Negative Energies in your home/office, Hypnosis & Past Life Regressions++!! They have MANY members with some wonderful gifts/powers!! SERVICES: Thurs. 7pm, Sun. 10:30am & 7pm (healings given at 6:30pm). They also do a Psychic Fair on the 2nd Saturday of month from 10am-3pm (Readings -$15/15 minutes) & . FREE Weekly Energetic Healings (Reiki) on Wed. – 4-7pm. LOCATION: NEW LOCATION – VENICE - 2269 Tamiami Trail (just before the 776 turnoff)

SOM - Sarasota Celebration Center (this is an Ernest Holmes / Science of Mind - SOM / Religious Science / United Centers for Spiritual Living center- UCSL) http://CenterforSpiritualAwakening.com / 927-6212 / 1-800-440-9665) - Karen Wolfson - LOCATION: SARASOTA - South Gate Community Center - 3145 South Gate Circle. SERVICE: Sun. 10am.

SOM - Center for Positive Learning (this is an Ernest Holmes / Science of Mind - SOM / Religious Science / United Centers for Spiritual Living center- UCSL) http://SarasotaCPL.org / 366-0275 / CPLFla@aol.com) - David Owen Ritz. SERVICE: Sun. 10:15am & Coffee & Community afterwards. LOCATION: SARASOTA - Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Trail). Office: U.S. Garage Building, 330 S. Pineapple Ave., #210 (Office Hours: Mon-Thurs. 9am-4:30pm)

SOM - New Thoughts For Living - David Owen Ritz http://sarasotacpl.org) SERVICE: Sun. 10:15am. LOCATION: Beatrice

UNITY of Sarasota (955-3301 / http://UnityOfSarasota.com / 955-3301) - Rev. Elizabeth. HOURS: Sunday-10am, Wed. Candlelight Healing and Prayer Services-6pm. - LOCATION: SARASOTA - 3023 Proctor Rd. FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000091523871

I AM HEALING ARTS CENTER -(927-6797 / http://IamHealingArts.com) - Spiritual Education Center LOCATION: SARASOTA – 1918 Robinhood St.) - SERVICE – Sat. 7pm & the 4th Sat. they also have some sort of activity afterwards - inspiring movie, music, or group discussion replaces the usual meditation and message format.

New Center (914-6526 / http://YourEmpoweredSpirit.com) - LOCATION: SARASOTA - 200 S. Washington Blvd at Adams; Suite 7-A)

RISING TIDE / Sarasota Sufi Center (923-7834 / htp://RisingTideInternational.org) - Following Sufi Guru - Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan. SERVICE - Sundays 10:30-11:30am, Open Meditation Class Mon. & Weds.6-7pm. Class on Spiritual Liberty and training of the ego - Tues. 7:30pm.
* 1st Tuesday evening of the month 7:30 PM, Dances of Universal Peace.
* Thursday evenings 7:30 PM, Zikr - Sufi pracitce of Remembrance through Sacred sounds.
* Thursday evenings 6:30PM, Gatha class, Readings from the writings and teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan
* Rumi Studies the 1st, 3rd and when available the 5th Sunday of the month. 4:30-6pm. LOCATION: SARASOTA – 5102 Swift Rd.

MCC - SunCoast Cathedral -Venice - VENICE - Rev. Sherry Kennedy

MCC - Church of the Trinity - Rev. Lisa Heilig


Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota



PUBLICATION:
NATURAL AWAKENINGS (351-3740 / http://NASRQ.com). They are THE publication for these types of articles/ads/connections. They have a CALENDAR & even their own NATURAL CHOICE AWARDS (in their June issue with an Awards Roast in May). Join their Facebook page - http://facebook.com/pages/Sarasota-FL/Natural-Awakenings-SarasotaManatee/172801349401?ref=ts


MISC.
ELYSIAN FIELDS http://ElysianFieldsOnline.com / 361-3006) - This is THE New Age-y type store for the area. It’s a nice size filled with all sorts of tools plus they have intuitive readers to a variety of events, massage therapists, seminars, speakers, and book signings. They have a NEWSLETTER (paper & online) – if you have something to add to their Calendar go to - http://nasrq.com/dotnetnuke/Advertising/OnlineCalendarSubmission/tabid/60/Default.aspx HOURS: Mon.-Sat:. 10am-6pm, Sun: noon-5pm. LOCATION: Sarasota - 1273 Tamiami Trail South at Bahia Vista – Midtown Plaza

I AM HEALING ARTS (927-6797 / http://IamHealingArts.com) - Spiritual Education Center LOCATION: SARASOTA – 1918 Robinhood St.

ASTROLOGER (Business) - TIM BOST (953-3545-w 941/544-5475-c / http://TimBost.com / Tim@TimBost.com) - He’s an AWESOME, world recognized Financial Astrologer & he’s in SARASOTA!!!

FUN!!! SEGWAY TOURS!!! Florida Ever-Glides http://FloridaEver-Glides.com/miami/tours.html / 363-9556 / Info@FloridaEver-Glides.com) - Sarasota Bay, St. Armand's Circle,and Lido Beach 9-11:30am with snack & drink, max 4 people - $88. Meet 15 minutes early in front of the "Tall, Red, Metal Sculpture" at the North end of Marina Jack Marina parking lot. Look for our enclosed trailer.
http://PleasureFlorida.com) - PURE FUN!! Venice –Mon.Thurs. & Sun. 9-11:30am & 1-2:30pm. Sarasota Bay – Tues., Fri. & Sat.9-11:30am. Siesta Key - Tues., Fri. & Sat.1-3:30pm



WELLNESS / HEALING
CHIROPRACTOR – DR. DAN BUSCH (412-3800) - HANDS DOWN TO ME – THE BEST IN THE AREA!! He’s not just a bone cracker!! He has LOTS of toys for physical therapy & he TALKS TO YOU & EXPLAINS THINGS!!! His front office staff insists you MUST have xrays but if you have serious issues around that, he’s workable (I’m sure that’s to cover his tusch but he is VERY THOROUGH!!). He’s also quite spiritual evolved I believe. Venice


MASSAGE - Ed Ruhl (426-9740 / 915-8928 / leo59aug1@verizon.net) - He is a Licensed Massage Therapist (Sarasota School of Massage) that has the ability to silently “tune-in” to the needs of your body. TECHNIQUES: CranioSacral Therapy (Cranial Sacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body, comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protect the brain and spinal cord) - $55; 1⁄2 hour massage includes, neck, shoulders and back - $30; 1 hour massage entire body / deep tissue (if necessary) - $55; Neuromuscular Therapy (Jim Cane Method - alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm) - $60; Reiki (a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows though us, which causes us to be alive) - $40. Reiki Master Teacher

Jo Amy Owen (378-2232) – Sarasota
MASSAGE TOOLS - Massage Market (365- 9118 / http://MassageMarket.com / Facebook - http://facebook.com/pages/diversityvillagecom/159193994084?v=wall#/pages/Sarasota-FL/Massage-Market/62552233179?v=info&ref=nf) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-6pm, Sat. 9:30am-3:30pm. LOCATION: SARASOTA - 5891 Whitfield Ave.

ACUPUNCTURIST - Glenn Eichenauer (926-4711 / http://AcupaltMedCenter.com / dr_eichenauer@AcupaltMedCenter.com) - Glen does anEXCELLENT job!! He also does # Kinesiology - muscle testing - tap into the wisdom of your subconscious & Body, Cupping, Tui Na, Gua Sha. LOCATION: SARASOTA - 7061 S Tamiami Trail, #104

RAY BEHM DDS – Natural Dentristy (1-727-446-6747 / http://SaveYourTeeth.com) - He specializes in Holistic Dentistry including safe amalgam removal, metal-free crowns, bridges, partials & dentures, Holistic Extractions, Kinesiology, non-surgical gum treatment. Clearwater

CHAKRA ALIGNING CRYSTAL BED (from “John of God” at Casa de Dominacio in Brazil) for Chakra Clearing, Energy Balancing, Aura Repair for emotional, physical & Spiritual needs before your Chakra Alignment - Experience Intended Spiritual Guidance from REV. DUFFY (I LOVE HER!!!). $25/session (926-7828 / CSANews@hotmail.com)

REIKI / TUNING FORK THERAPY - Francine Milford (497-7795 / http://FrancineMilford.com / FrancineMilford@cs.com) - LOCATION: VENICE ISLAND - 101 W. Venice Ave #31-7.

WARM MINERAL SPRINGS (seems they’re just calling it "The Springs" now - http://WarmMineralSprings.com ) - Ponce de Leon's fabled "Original Fountain of Youth". The water is around 87ª. They have Water Aerobics for FREE. HOURS: Daily 9am-5pm (closed on New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) (weather permitting but if it starts to lightening, they close down immediatelyl). ENTRANCE: $20 (AAA $18). 10 Day Pass $150.


SPIRIT OF EDEN (921-3108 / http://TheSpiritOfEden.com) - Everything from acupuncture to prolotherapy, mesotherapy, craniosacral, hot stone, pre-natal, reflexology, Hawaiian massage, detoxification. They even have a PH Miracle Program. FREE SEMINARS – THURS. noon-1pm. LOCATION: SARASOTA – 5766 Bronx Ave. (at Clark Rd)



MARKETS
MY FAVORITE - MORTON'S GOURMET MARKET & DELI (955-9856 / http://MortonsMarket.com / http://facebook.com/thisweekinsarasota?v=wall#!/MortonsGourmetMarket) - They have the BEST Prepared Food Section (hot or cold to take home & eat), the LARGEST section of varieties of olives, I MISS their Chopped Chicken Livers the MOST!! MANY times I'd stop in on a Sun. after service after Rev. Duffy's Center of Spiritual Awareness & get a baguette & container of their DELISH Chopped Chicken Livers!! BIG/AWESOME selection of PASTRIES also!! Great SALAD BAR. LOTS of cheeses. Specialty veges (& ORGANIC). DELIVERY. CATERING. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 7am-8pm, Sun. 9am-7pm. LOCATION: Sarasota - 1924 S. Osprey Ave.

RICHARD’S FOODPORIUM (377-6266-corp) – not as big as Whole Foods but MY experience has been it’s more personal!
LOCATIONS - http://RichardsWholeFoods.com/ret_store_locator.asp?storeID=1FQSSEQX5CS92J2000AKHMCCQ259DGG9:
SARASOTA: University Park - 8207 Cooper Creek Blvd. (358-8011) – HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9am-7pm, Sun. 11am-5pm
3226 Clark Road (925-9726) – HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm, Sat. 9am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm
2856 Ringling Blvd (316-0546) – HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9am-7pm, Sun. 11am-5pm
VENICE: On the Island -105 East Milan Avenue ) – HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm
593 US 41 Bypass North ) – HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm
OSPREY: 1092 S. Tamiami Trail ) – HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm, Sat. 9am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm



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AREAS / NEIGHBORHOODS:
CASEY KEY: http://Sarasotafl.org/explore/tour/casey.php - I LOVE this island (it is what "drew" me to this area in the first place)

VENICE: http://Sarasotafl.org/explore/tour/venice.php / http://VeniceMainStreet.com / http://VeniceFlorida.com / http://VeniceGov.com / http://CoastalLiving.com/lifestyle/so-you-want-to-live-in/want-live-venice-florida-00400000000318
http:// google.co.cr/imgres?imgurl http://pics2.city-data.com/city/maps/fr2748.png&imgrefurl=http://www.city-data.com/city/South-Venice-Florida.html&h=359&w=422&sz=4&tbnid=daJteKxJlG4h_M:&tbnh=107&tbnw=126&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvenice%2Bflorida&usg=__R9UJG98BZVN16O5knOg2r6NmGNU=&ei=kXniSvveNo6Y8AbukNXyAQ&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=8&ct=image&ved=0CCsQ9QewBw

SARASOTA: http://Sarasotafl.org/explore/tour/mainland.php / http://SarasotaDowntown.com/farmers_market.html / http://SarasotaGov.com / http://Sarasota.com

SIESTA KEY: http://Sarasotafl.org/explore/tour/siesta.php

NORTHPORT: http://Sarasotafl.org/explore/tour/northport.php - home to Warm Mineral Springs (seems they’re just calling it "The Springs" now - http://WarmMineralSprings.com ) - Ponce de Leon's fabled "Original Fountain of Youth"



MESSAGE BOARDS & WEBSITES: http://VeniceFlorida.com/messageboard http://community.coastalliving.com http://FindSarasota.com

RADIO - http://wslr.org 96.5fm LPFM Sarasota Community Radio

http://SarasotaHistoryAlive.com/walking-tours/sarasota-county-history-center-stroll




HERE ARE SOME CONTACTS/INFO I GATHERED WHILE LIVING IN VENICE & OSPREY:

COUNTY - Call center for ALL of the county (MAIN # for County for ALL departments. They know what is happening around county) - 861-5000

ALCOHOL / DRUG DETOX - HOME DETOX (412-3869 / http://HomeDetoxInc.com / HomeDetoxInc@aol.com) - Norm does a GREAT JOB detoxing people!! LOCATION – VENICE -530 US 41 Bypass South (Brickyard Plaza)

AUCTIONS - Venice Auction Company (485-4964 / http://VeniceAuction.com) - Phyllis - Joe – AUCTION: Thurs. 5:45pm, VIEWING 1pm+. BREAK: 70% if you bring in. 60% if they pick up + $15 pu fee. BRING IN: Mon. & Tues. BY 4pm. LOCATION: Venice - 601 Spur St.
Suncoast Auction (918-1439 / http://SunCoastAuction.com / SunCoastAuction@aol.com) - LOCATION: Osprey - 846 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota Auctions (485-3141/ http://SarasotaAuctionOnline.com) - LOCATION: Nokomis - 625 Tamiami Trail North #E
PJ’s Hometown Auctions (244-2382 / http://PJsAuctions.com / pjs-inc@live.com) - I’ve seen 3 locations – Holiday House (formerly the Holiday Inn on the Bypass 41, next to the Burger King); King Solomon's Treasures - Venice - 1250 US Hwy 41 Bypass South & The Dome Flea Market now has LIVE AUCTIONS in the rear building. LOCATION: Venice - 5115 State Rd 776. WHEN: Tuesdays – PREVIEW – 4pm, BIDDING – 5pm
Private Collections Auctions (966-3255 / http://PrivateCollections.net) - They buy coins, broken jewelry+. LOCATION: Nokomis - 2301 Tamiami Trail North #H.

BIKES - Bob - 3-wheeler (497-6944) – Venice - 182 Argus

BOAT DONATIONS (727-638-4685 / 800-488-6745) - organization health & fitness - for special needs kids & adults – Dennis

BOOKS ON THE VENICE/SARASOTA AREA -
Books Produced by Historic Venice Press (Kim Cool – tell her Vicki in Costa Rica referred you) - http://HistoricVenicePress.com
Ghost Stories of Venice Old & New - http://HistoricVenicePress.com/2008/09/15/ghost-stories-of-venice-old-new / http:/HistoricVenicePress.com/2002/07/01/ghostvenice
Venice History Ilustrated (coffee table photo book) - http://HistoricVenicePress.com/2006/08/01/venice-history-illustrated
Circus Days in Sarasota & Venice - http://HistoricVenicePress.com/2004/04/01/circus
Cool Trip in Central Florida - http://HistoricVenicePress.com/2005/07/01/swroadtrips
Ghost Stories of Sarasota - http://HistoricVenicePress.com/2003/06/06/ghost-stories-of-sarasota


CAR: Repairs: Jacob Motors (923-7405 / 923-7397-shop) / (Benny & Christine 925-1145-h 284-7168-c.) / Mike Warfield w/ Car Doc of Venice
Upholstery - Unique Upholstery (484-4227) - Did the Hood for my convertible. LOCATION: 629 E. Venice Ave. - Brian
Dents - Jerry Linse - Venice Auto Body 493-8600 480-9490

CARPETS - TOP HAT (966-2597) $45 one room

CROC SHOES - H2 Only Bait - 488-8229 - 121 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis 34275 7a-7p - Dawn (tell Dawn that Vicki - now in Costa Rica [who bought WELL over 25 Crocs there] & with the biz in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico [where her ex is from] said "Hola"!!)

DOG - DOG GROOMER: Personal Touch 486-1958 (near Puss & Pups (485-7110 - 773 US 41 By-Pass S, Venice - Michelle &
VET (Lynn Duffy - Island Animal Hospital - 484-9908 157 E. Miami Ave., Venice) - per Patty & Arlene
DOG SHOTS - HEALTHY PET 888-738-9355, Venice

DOG BEACHES /PARK (on a leash)
BEACH - Venice –
Sarasota - Bird Key Park on the John Ringling Causeway.
Sarasota - Ken Thompson Park - 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway. On City Island, by Mote Marine Lab.
Sarasota - Bay Front Park. U.S. 41 and Ringling. Next to Marina Jack Restaurant. (Some water)
PARK - Sarasota - Gillespie Park. 710 N. Osprey Avenue. Downtown at Gillespie and N. Osprey.
Sarasota - Arlington Park. 2650 Waldemere Street. Near Tamiami Trail.
Sarasota - Paw Parks (Animals can be let off leashes):
Sarasota - 17th Street Park. 4570 17th Street. East of Beneva Rd & West of Honore Ave.
Sarasota - Woodmere Park. On Jacaranda Blvd., two blocks north of U.S. 41.

DOLLAR STORES - There are MANY places that CALL themselves a “Dollar Store” but not everything in them is $1. VICKI’S FAV is the one ON VENICE ISLAND – where the Publix Market is (on the South end of the island)

DRY CLEANERS - The GREENER CLEANER (483-3976) - They’re the first cleaner in SouthWest Florida to use a revolutionary new process - Green Earth® cleaning. They do Alterations & Repairs, Leather & Suedes, Wedding Gown Preservation, Bulk Laundry+. FREE PICK-UP/DELIVERY. LOCATION: Venice:- 442 US Hwy 41 Bypass North – in the TJ Maxx Plaza

ELECTRICIAN - Terry 497-2234 terrysonet192@aol.com Judge Electrician - DON 924-9393

EMBROIDERY - Judy Davis 492-5237

EXTERMINATOR - MACY’S (412-9610) - They specialize in ORGANIC PEST CONTROL – using GREEN TECHNOLOGY & Pet-Friendly Products

FACIALS / ESTATICIANS - NANCY HOLMES (416-7409 / NancyHeals@aol.com) LOCATION: VENICE - 389 Commercial Ct. #B
FILM SOCIETY 955-3456 X3 (box office. 1-showtimes) - emails Robert 941-779-0762 x22

FIND A PLACE TO LIVE - Hubert Steinbacker - Gulf Realty (per Skeeter/Sharon) • Library • Pelican • Realtors • Security Companies (ADT Security, K9 Sentry Services, Safeguard) • Contractors • Casey Key Assoc.

FLEA MARKET - Venice – The Dome – LOCATION: South Venice. Bradenton – Red Barn or something like that??? BIG/GOOD!!!

GAS (house) - Ferrell 488-2458

GAY - http://GaySarasota.com 3/29-5/3/09 - http://EmbracingOurDifferences.org Sarasota Bayfront

HAIR - Rene 941/223-2148-c 941/918-0333-h 941/925-0533-w

HAPPY HAVEN (the mobile home park Vicki rented a house in ON the Intra Coastal Waterway in Osprey) - CONNIE (MANAGER) 955-8338 685-9276-c 485-1778-h

HAZARDOUS WASTE (donate paint, microwaves, etc.) 861-1531 VENICE - L-Venice Ave. Pass Jacaranda. 2nd R-Jackson Rd.. Tues., Thurs. & 2nd & 4th Sat. of month

HEATER - ??2/04 - Aqua Plumbing & Air = Roger 366-7677 (

HELP - “FIRST CALL FOR HELP” 485-1880 - people in crisis/need
MEALS ON WHEELS - Arden (trained me) 488-4223
SHARE - helps people in financial need with groceries (you pay a certain amount & volunteer) - Christ Methodist - 1475 Center - 497-1659, Epiphany - 310 Sarasota St. 484-3505,

HOUSE CLEANING - Randi (488-5895 / 650-1641-c) – she cleaned my place moving out of Patty’s place & she did a GOOD DETAILED JOB (per Rev. Pat) • GRO GREEN INC. (927-2999 / 373-5607 / http:GroGreenServices.com) – They ONLY use non-toxic, biodegradable, environmentally safe cleaning products. Home, office, carpet, tile, air ducts, upholstery, windows, construction cleanup, protector deodorizers & even do Pet Sitting & Property Management.

JEWELER - Harry Roa 941/266-5146 800-416-4820 Ocean Lily • CARIBBEAN GOLD - 7650 S. Tamiami Tr. #11, Sarasota 927-1691 - Buddy Hill

LAWN - NANCY’S LAWN (Rich Carol) 485-0773

LIMO - Executive Limousines 360-6670 http://www.ExecutiveLimousines.com (did the NICE van for recycle tour)

MAC HELP - VENICE 460-0100 dwb@ewol.com - Derrick Brown

MEDICAL - INTERNIST - Dr. Sharmer 475-8291 - per Rev. Pat - english doctor - Englewood
NATURPATH? Dr. Robert Friedman 321-2011 641 E. Venice = Dr. Robert’s Herbal Pharmacy - drrobert.com

MOLD: Bill Fricke 922-5555 (test for). Damex Mold Remediation 624-3100

MOVER - KEITH & DIXIE 321-4498-C 506-0173-pg (tell them Vicki - now in Costa Rica [formerly in Osprey in the house on the water in the mobile home park)

MULCH - FREE mulch & compost/soil at the very end (east) of Bee Ridge !

NAILS - METRO -488-1015 – Venice

NETWORKING - Power Networking Lunch of Venice http://PNLOfVenice.com / 484-8106 / PNLOfVenice@yahoo.com) - Every Monday at 11:30am-1:15pm (except on the Monday the Venice Chamber Commerce holds it's monthly luncheon) - $15.
Venice Chamber of Commerce (for Venice, South Venice, Laurel, Nokomis & Osprey) http://VeniceChamber.com / 488-2236 / VChamber@VeniceChamber.com) - Network Luncheon - 4th Mon. of month – 11:30am-1pm. Consumer Expo -Fri..Oct. 23 – 10am-4pm & Sat. Oct. 24 9am-3pm – Venice Community Center. Wake Up Venice – 3rd Wed. 7:30-9am - Venice Regional Medical Center - 540 The Rialto. Free for members. Business After 5 – Last Thurs. 5:30-7pm ($5-members/$10-future members)
Siesta Key Chamber (349-3800)

NEW TO VENICE? 485-6971 http://AWarmWelcome.org

OFFICE DEPOT – Venice (408-0078)

OFFICE FURNITURE - Office Outfitters 485-7015 - Venice Bucko’s/Sarasota Braxtons/Bradenton

ORGANIC FOODS: Jessica’s Stand, 4180 47th St., Sarasota Fri. noon-7:30 & Sat. 8a-5p 351-4121
Directions: Tuttle - R-DeSoto (past Lockwood Ridge), R-Mink, L-47th

PAPERS - HERALD TRIB (Toni) 953-5555/4 Venice GONDALER (207-1200 / http://VeniceGondolier.com)

PLACE TO FIND CARS - Mobile Home Parks, RV World - Bruce Biegel (per Johnna)

PLANNED PARENTHOOD (953-4060 / http://PlannedParenthood.org/ppswcf) - Sarasota HOURS: Mon & Fri. 9am-4pm, Tues. & Thurs. 11am-7pm, Wed. 9am-2pm, Sat. 10am-2pm

PLUMBER - TRENT - Union Plumbing 966-7473 / Aqua 366-7676

PO BOX 497-1157 – UPS Store, 1532 US 41 Bypass S, Venice, FL 34293

POLICE - SHERIFF - 861-5800 (non-emergency)

PRINTING NEEDS - First Edition Printing (492-6393 / FstEdprint@aol.com) – Linda Spence Printing & Graphics needs (tell her Vicki in Costa Rica referred ya!!)

RELOCATION INFORMATION: http://FindSarasota.com/relocation.htm

SATELLITE TV - DISH TV - PO 105013, Atlanta 30348-5013 8255909106992321 1-800-333-3474 - I LOVE LOVE LOVE this service (though I'm not seeing my fav old channels like the one that had Democracy Now & the other that had all these Self Empowerment shows)

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTER - Venice - Shirley Armstrong

SEPTIC - AM.PM Plumbing 358-3355 (Karen)

SEWING - Precision Tailoring 484-3356 (M-Th 9-5, Fri-Sat 9-4) - 225 W. Miami Ave #5, Venice - Yaroslav & Zina

SIERRA CLUB - 925-9000. Treas-Don Kirkley 493-3085.

TANNING - Tanning Den 925-9998 2300 Bee Ridge, Sarasota Airbrush $45

THRIFT SHOPS: ON Venice Island - there are a BUNCH together on the same street - a block behind the main one. St. Marks - 203 Miami (488-3219). St. Francis - 1925 Tamiami (492-6210). Good Shepard - 5371 Venice (484-1159). Elephant Walk - 595 Tamiami (483-3056)

TUPPERWARE - Jan Donovan 941-488-8956 jandonovan@comcast.net http://www.my.tupperware.com/jandonovan

Venice Community Center - 326 Nokomis Ave

VOTE: House District 70 and Senate Dist. 23.

WATER - I have mine delivered monthly by Crystal Springs - Ben Anderson 928-5692 Lamar 928-5936 #1230212 (old 0438542) Spring 800-444-7873 941-379-3440

Here's another resource that was CRUCIAL to me as I haven't drank tap water in 20+ years (I won't injest chlorine, strictnine or flouride - ALL of which are in TOOOO HIGH doses & DANGEROUS for our bodies!!)!! Their BEST water is their MOUNTAIN SPRING water from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia for $9.75 bottle (they have it cheaper than that for other things). If you ask, you can often get a special through your new driver. I got a Free case of mountain bottles (16 oz). Buy one 5 gal. bottle - get 3 free with 1 year contract

WATER - Dyko Water Systems 378-5533

WATSU - Minakshi - Marathon http://www.minakshiwatsu.com 305-743-2624

WEB SITES - http://www.veniceflorida.com/discboard http://boards.creative-pages.com/

WINDOW WASHERS - Gulf Coast Windows 966-6385 (per Pat Houston $80)

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER 485-9724 - Beth - Venice

YMCA Sarasota - 922-9622 Venice - 493-6130 Jacuzzi - Mon.-Thu. 7am-8:30p, Fri. 7a-7p, Sat. 9a-4:30, Sun. noon-4:30



ACCOMMODATIONS:
GULF SANDS BEACH MOTEL & RESORT (488-7272) - 1-bd, $125-$160/n, 2-bd $175-$195/n. LOCATION: 4333 Casey Key Rd. - Beachfront ON Casey Key

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Have anything to add to this list??

Want info on Costa Rica?? Feel free to contact me at SarongGoddess@gmail.com - 1-941-312-7569 (my new Skype number I got [perhaps in some preparation for a pending move in the near future though it might just be a 3 months in Florida/9 months in Costa Rica type move as I LOVE LOVE LOVE my life in Costa Rica - for now. Ahhhhh the challenges of being a Gemini!!]).


Vicki Skinner
(lived on Venice Island & Osprey from Jan. '01-July '04)

WHAT VICKI'S DOING NOW: http://YourCostaRicaConcierge.com


GRACIAS COSTA RICA
Gracias Costa Rica is a program we've starting to encourage tourists & non-nationals alike to gift back to the people of Costa Rica via donations, etc. http://GraciasCostaRica.com

VICKI'S BLOG OF LISTS/INFO: http://CostaRicaResourceGuide.com

1-941-312-7569 / (506) 8-378-6679
SKYPE: VallartaVicki

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