#1 Beach

We're still testing the latest asset acquisition at SDP -- a 10-24mm lens.  And, those tests took us to Siesta Key Beach (at sunset, of course).  In addition to the sugary white sand, one of the most remarkable aspects of this beach is its sheer width.   Previously, I've been stymied trying to depict it.  But, not with the new lens!  This was the scene last night looking all the way across the beach toward the Gulf of Mexico.  Five years ago, Siesta Beach was named the #1 beach in the United States by Dr. Beach, and since then it has become increasingly popular with visitors from around the world.  I can confirm it is indeed a beautiful beach!  Hope everyone is well in the blogosphere.

Why We Live Here

Lots of meteorologists have been pointing out that Florida, with temps in the 80s, is the warmest place in the country this week.  For my blogosphere friends Up North…this is our version of a snowman!  The SDP Junior Editor stumbled across this adorable sandman at Siesta Key beach yesterday. Believe it or not, this quality shot was taken with a phone!  By the time, I got to the beach to shoot the sandman with my DSLR it was getting dark…

 …and this was the scene: beautiful night…clear and in the mid-70s.  I never found the sandman. But, with this sunset, it really didn't matter.  Happy Hump Day!

Lookin' Good

After a trying year, I was quite happy to say farewell to 2012. So, I decided to usher in the baby new year with a long walk yesterday morning on Siesta Beach. The place was packed with tourists and locals enjoying the fantastic weather: sunny, 73 degrees with calm seas and a brisk water temperature of 62.  I'd love to see these kinds of stats every day.  What a great way to start 2013!

Best in the Nation

You're looking at the best beach in the United States -- Siesta Key Beach! Every year, a researcher known as Dr. Beach, ranks beaches based on 50 criteria including water quality, amenities, weather, and crowds. Siesta Key Beach has ranked #2 the past couple of years, but this year it moved into the top spot beating out locations in California, Hawaii, North Carolina and elsewhere. Now that Siesta Key made it to #1, it will not be included in future rankings (which is kind of a drag, but it will always be promoted as a #1 beach). Read more about it here.

In other news...a tip of the hat to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Even though they lost in game #7 of the playoffs last night 1-0 and they're not advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals --- what a game! They left it all on the ice, including Steve Stamkos who left a bit of his face, after taking a puck directly to the nose --- and returned to finish the game. Amazing!

Still No Oil Here

One year ago today the Deep Horizon oil spill started in the Gulf of Mexico.  At the time, many pundits predicted the decimation of the Gulf, and subsequently, the ruin of the tourism industry in Florida.  Well, I just heard on the radio that the health of the Gulf of Mexico today is equivalent to what it was prior to the spill.   Imagine that!  Not a drop of oil -- let alone tar balls -- ever showed up on a Sarasota beach.  (Thank goodness!)  This photo shows the scene at Siesta Key Beach last Sunday morning around 10:00 a.m.  --- busy, busy, busy with lots of tourists have fun, fun, fun on the oil free beach.  Good thing not everyone buys what prognosticators sell.  

Drum Circle

Should you find yourself on Siesta Key beach at sunset on a Sunday, first you'll hear these folks in the distance.  Then, the hypnotic pulsating beat of the drums will draw you to them  -- the Drum Circle.  Nothing seems to be choreographed.  They just show up and bang their drums on the beach.  Some free spirits dance and others twirl neon hoops.  It's definitely something fun and different to take in --- if only for a few minutes.  

Sand, Castles & Dragons

I showed up right at sunset on the last day of the master sandsculpting competition on Siesta Key over the weekend.  Wow...what a great time to be there!  About a dozen sculptures were created by artists working in teams of two.  This one, made by two guys from Texas, was my favorite.  They say the texture of the sand on Siesta is perfect for this kind of art.  I'd say you can't go wrong with that sunset either.

Watery Wednesday

Take your pick:  soar above the azure water of the Gulf of Mexico or flop down in it.  Either way you can't go wrong on Siesta Key Beach.  Happy Watery Wednesday!  To see other photos from around the world click here.

Watery Wednesday

No signs of whoever was playing here on Siesta Key Beach.  Perhaps they waded into the water to cool off and contemplate their architectural plans for a grand sand castle.  Click here to see more Watery Wednesday photos from around the world.

Theme Day: Bright Colors

If you forget to bring a chaise lounge to Siesta Key Beach, you can rent one at this little wooden shack.  The tropical colors are so bright, you can't miss it.  This photo is part of the worldwide City Daily Photo theme day: Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Watery Wednesday: Stop! Thief!

I didn't actually see this seagull swipe the slice of apple protruding from its beak.  But, the way it's standing so proudly displaying its prize I can't help but wonder if the bird waited for those swimmers to wade into the Gulf of Mexico, then made its move --- snatched their apple and strutted down the beach mocking them.  Whatever happened, it occurred in an oil free zone.  As you can see, Siesta Key beach is still oil free -- as are all the beaches in Sarasota.  To see more Watery Wednesday photos from participants around the world click here.

Watery Wednesday: No Oil

This little boy was so cute staring at the water lapping ashore on Siesta Key Beach and trying to decide if he should dip his purple bucket in the Gulf of Mexico.  Sarasota beaches are still oil free, thankfully.  The Parks Department is reporting that more people are enjoying the beaches here this year than last.  The bump could be the result of stay-cationers (Floridians staying in Florida for vacation) or it could be people who planned trips to Louisiana, Alabama and the Panhandle who are now coming here.  Check out more Watery Wednesday images here.