SIESTA KEY CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY 

Join us under the stars for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration as we honor 250 years of freedom, history, and the American spirit! 

 FIREWORKS OVER SIESTA KEY
Beach vibes
Live music
Food & drinks
Family fun
One of the most beautiful sunsets in Florida

Bring your chairs, gather your crew, and celebrate this once-in-a-generation milestone together.

 Siesta Key, Florida
July 4, 2026
250 Years • One Nation • One Celebration

Tag who you’re watching fireworks with
#SiestaKey #July4th

Flags representing the six branches of the U.S. armed forces fly on the beach at Patriot’s Point, along with flags honoring U.S. Special Operations Forces and the nation’s prisoners of war. The flags now fly higher than ever.

Newly installed flagpoles, each standing 15 feet tall, replaced the weathered 6-foot rebar poles that previously held the flags. The new poles were installed in late January.

Each evening at sunset, Bundy, veterans, visitors and residents gather on the beach at Patriot’s Point to play the national anthem, salute and lower the flags. The Armed Forces flag remains flying overnight and throughout the day. Each morning, Bundy returns to raise the flags.

The sunset ceremony at Patriot’s Point is held daily at sunset at 10 Beach Road.

During sea turtle nesting season, which began May 1 and continues through Oct. 31, Mote Marine Laboratory has offered a series of tips for beachgoers and coastal residents. Keeping these easy-to-remember reminders in mind can go a long way toward protecting nesting turtles and their young.

• DO stay away from sea turtle nests marked with yellow stakes and tape, as well as seabird nesting zones bounded by ropes.
• DO remain quiet and observe from a distance if you encounter a nesting sea turtle or hatchlings.
• DO shield or turn off outdoor lights visible from the beach from May through October.
• DO close drapes after dark and stack beach furniture at the dune line or, ideally, remove it from the beach.
• DO fill in holes that may trap hatchlings on their way to the water.
• DO NOT approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.
• DO NOT use flashlights, headlamps or fishing lamps on the beach.
• DO NOT encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading to the water.
• DO NOT use fireworks on the beach.
• DO NOT walk dogs on any Sarasota County beach other than Brohard Paw Park in Venice. There, dogs must be leashed or under voice control, according to county ordinances.

Sea turtles are protected under federal law, and any harassment or interference with a sea turtle — living or dead — is subject to penalties. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), the local sheriff’s department, and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at 941-388-4331.

Siesta Key lifeguard shortage leaves iconic tower empty – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)

Beachgoers at Siesta Key have grown accustomed to the steady presence of lifeguards at the central green tower. The structure sits at the heart of the beach, where visitors move from the white sand toward the Gulf waters. This weekend the tower remained unoccupied, marking a clear departure from the usual activity.

For years the tower has functioned as more than a simple post. It offers a visible reference point that helps orient swimmers and families along the shoreline. Its green color stands out against the sand and water, making it easy to spot from a distance. Many regular visitors associate the tower with the organized rhythm of a typical day at the beach.

The absence became noticeable as soon as the weekend began. Instead of the usual comings and goings of lifeguards, the tower stayed quiet. Beachgoers who expected the standard level of oversight found the central spot unattended. The shift left the landmark looking noticeably still compared with its normal state.

Shortages like this reflect broader challenges in keeping lifeguard positions filled at busy coastal spots. When staffing falls short, even well-known towers can go without coverage for periods of time. The result is a temporary adjustment for everyone who relies on the beach for recreation. Local operations must balance available personnel across multiple locations.

By Climate Cosmos Team,  2 days ago

• By Ian Swaby
• | 5:00 a.m. February 5, 2026

As the person who lowers the American flag on Patriots Pier on Siesta Key Beach every evening, and raises it every morning, Siesta Key resident Wayne Bundy has a never-ending responsibility.

However, other members of the community are behind him, as was the case when they recently helped to install seven new flagpoles at the site. 

A Sunday bike ride on Siesta Key ended in tragedy when a bicyclist was struck and killed by a pickup truck turning into a beach access, authorities said.

The crash happened early Sunday afternoon on Beach Road near Beach Access 9. Officials said the collision occurred around 1:20 to 1:30 p.m. The rider was taken from the scene to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Florida Highway Patrol troopers handled the primary investigation at the site, with Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies assisting with traffic and scene control.

April 11, 2026  •  8:00 a.m.
Siesta Key Beach

Mote’s Run for the Turtles is a highly anticipated, sanctioned 5K that brings together more than 1,000 runners in support of Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program. This signature event marks the official kickoff of sea turtle nesting season (April 15–October 31) in Southwest Florida—when every step helps protect nesting turtles and their hatchlings.

Can’t join us in person? You can still be part of the tradition! Register for our virtual race and run wherever you are while supporting sea turtles and celebrating 40 years of impact.

CRESCENT CLUB

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT POST (KICKOFF)

MARCH IS HEATING UP AT CRESCENT CLUB

Every Wednesday in March we're turning up the island vibes with our Annual Bikini Contest

4 weeks

New contestants every week

Big energy, bold looks, beachside fun

Grab your crew, sip something cold, and come cheer on your favorites.

Siesta Key Wednesdays just found their main event

Crescent Club-Siesta Key-Every Wednesday in March

WATCH THE SUNSET WITH TINA & KAREN EVERY EVENING WITH       844 FROG HOP

THEY MAKE IT FUN!

EXCITING WITH LOTS OF ENERGY

• By Andrew Warfield
• | 5:00 a.m. December 18, 2025

• By Eric Garwood
• | 12:00 p.m. November 21, 2025

 “I’ve been sitting in the same place for 25 years. I’ve watched families come each year; I take pictures with their kids. Now, their kids are bringing their kids.” 

Local real estate investor Chris Brown added to his Sarasota portfolio with the purchase of The Boatyard on the mainland of the Intracoastal Waterway next to the south Siesta Key bridge, according to a Friday news release from the brokerage that negotiated the sale.