Dedicated Volunteers Enhance the Siesta Beach Experience

An ambassador, according to Merriam-Webster, is an agent of the highest rank — often appointed for a special diplomatic assignment.

Although Siesta Beach Ambassadors may not jet around the world on international missions, these volunteers serve an important role as goodwill ambassadors for the entire Siesta Key region. Greeting visitors from their kiosk at the entrance to one of the world’s most famous beaches, they have a front-row seat.

Meeting people from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, these volunteer ambassadors offer friendly assistance and helpful information — and have a lot of fun doing it.

Launched in 2004 by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Visit Sarasota County and the Sarasota County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Beach Ambassador program is now in its 21st year.

On a sunny day in mid-July, Siesta Beach was packed with beachgoers. A steady stream of people arrived, ready to enjoy the soft, cool white sand. The concession stand was bustling, and Beach Ambassadors David Hallin and Tina Landry were stationed at their booth under the shaded main pavilion, across from the snack bar and just steps from the main beach entrance.

Both have been volunteering for just over a year — and both love their roles. Since starting their shift, they had been chatting with a steady flow of visitors stopping to ask for information.

After a quiet moment, a barefoot visitor from Venezuela approached. He expressed how much he was enjoying his visit and asked for recommendations on local restaurants. The ambassadors suggested a trip to Siesta Village, pointed out a few places on the Siesta Key street map and recommended the free Siesta Key trolley for getting around. Map in hand, the grateful visitor thanked them and headed back to the beach.

It was, Hallin and Landry said with a laugh, a typical day — all part of an ambassador’s duties.

“We’re here to help people have the best vacation they’ve ever had,” Hallin said.

“Beach Ambassadors have changed people’s lives,” said Jonathan Poyner, Siesta Beach manager for Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. “People have moved here because of a visit to Siesta Beach and time spent talking to ambassadors like Dave and Tina.”

Hallin and Landry agree that time at their sandy diplomatic post is always interesting and fun. An ambassador’s 2.5-hour shift can involve a wide range of questions — and that’s where training comes in. New volunteers attend a one-hour training session and are then paired with a seasoned ambassador to learn the ropes.

“Over the course of a year,” Poyner said, “Beach Ambassadors provide more than 2,500 hours of free service to the community. Our Siesta Beach Ambassadors act as the front door to our community. When visitors come to Siesta Beach and talk to our welcoming ambassadors, they are the first impression of the region. It’s vital to have their welcoming presence here.”

Ambassadors Wanted

The Beach Ambassador program is currently seeking new volunteers.

“We’re looking for more Beach Ambassadors,” said Poyner. “Right now, there are 42 Beach Ambassadors at Siesta Beach. Our goal is to have 80 adult volunteers in the program.”

“It’s a great volunteer job for newcomers to the area,” Hallin said.

“We have such camaraderie,” Landry added. “We’re like a family, and we enjoy spending time together off-site too.”

Prospective ambassadors must complete an application and sit for an interview.

“We want to make sure they understand the role and that it’s a good fit for them,” said Poyner.

Volunteers must commit to at least one 2.5-hour shift per month at the kiosk.

“We train our ambassadors to be fair and equitable to everyone, and to talk to visitors about the entire area. We’re all connected in some way. Our ambassadors help connect people to our community,” Poyner said.

Ambassadors work in pairs and choose their own time slots. Each volunteer receives an official white Beach Ambassador polo shirt to wear on duty. After logging 100 hours, ambassadors are awarded a bright yellow Beach Ambassador jacket.

“We all have a heart for service,” Poyner said. “We’re in the people business, and we’re all about giving people a great experience.”

To apply to become a Siesta Key Beach Ambassador, visit scgov.net/volunteer or call 311 for more information.

“I can’t wait to get here,” Hallin said. “It’s the best job I never got paid for.”