SIESTA KEY RUM DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE WITH SCOOTER OF THE BEACH

We’re excited to announce a new weekly event with @scooterofthebeach and the @siestakeyfroghop for a trip to Siesta Key Rum Distillery.

Tickets will include:

• Round-trip shuttle transportation provided by The Frog Hop, with departures from Siesta Key Beach main entrance and The Big Tiki Lounge in Siesta Key Village. (The Frog Hop can also provide transportation to either departure location if needed). Scooter will hop on one shuttle -bringing his signature energy, stories, and fun 

• Guided Siesta Key Rum tastings

• Distillery tour

• One Siesta Key Rum cocktail (and more available for purchase!)

3-5pm 

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. 

Bright green vans and trolleys offer islandwide, door-to-door transportation for residents and visitors

By Jane Bartnett

Getting around Siesta Key has never been easier — or more fun — thanks to the free, upgraded Frog Hop van and open-air trolley service. The only free, on-demand, door-to-door transportation service on the island, the Frog Hop travels throughout Siesta Key, unlike the free Breeze trolley, which is limited to main roads.

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.