The following is Scott Fais' weekly blog detailing discoveries made while traveling through Florida and along the road of life.
I’m not going to join the war on I-4. The freeway connecting Daytona Beach and Tampa Bay cuts through the middle of this great state. That stretch of asphalt runs for 138 miles and is anchored by two distinct beaches. Which is better? That’s like comparing a fine wine. There’s never going to be a real winner. So I will take the easy way out and head south!
Visiting St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach was the idea of a “Smart Woman.” News 13 anchor Jackie Brockington has lived in Florida for the better part of two decades. She knows some sweet spots away from the crowds. So when she suggested visiting Sarasota for the day, I knew we were onto something good.
Imagine St. Armands Circle to be a lot like Rodeo Drive: full of trendy shops and plenty of people to watch. However, leave the high heels and the high attitude at home. St Armands Circle is down to Earth and relaxed. You know you’re in for a treat when crossing the Ringling Causeway over the teal waters of Sarasota Bay. Here, the look is casual and calm.
You know this is no Rodeo Drive when the parking along the street is free. Stoll past the stores, sit down to lunch or dinner and be sure to grab ice cream. Jackie and I did all three. Here is an insider tip. Many of the café’s offer a price break if you sit down to dinner between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. You can eat early, hit the road and still get to bed on time!
Where as the Circle is great for an early morning stroll, the beach comes calling in the afternoon. Just a half-mile from the Circle’s center, awaits Lido Beach. The white sand of the Gulf Coast welcomes you. Here, the water is clean and clear. I went out well over my waist and I could still spot my toes digging into the sand. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent up until 6 p.m. A clean restroom and snack bar is also available off the free parking lot. And get this: the new vendor running the snack bar expects to launch a service by the Fourth of July where you can call in order using a cell phone and they’ll send a server to your towel with your food.
Summer was made for a day at the beach. Take advantage of the warm waters, white sands and pristine vistas FLA USA has to offer this season.
In other Tankful News, we’re on a “Snipe Hunt.” Let me explain. Have you noticed when your favorite TV program come back from a commercial break, the bottom of the screen is filled with moving text, graphics, pictures and faces of stars from other TV shows? In our industry, this is what promotions people call a “snipe.” It pops out when you least expect it.
Is it a gratuitous attempt for your attention? Maybe. But it’s also a great way to share more information with you and have a little fun along the way. Seldom does the crew at Florida on a Tankful take ourselves serious (I tend to think I’m a 10-year-old trapped in a 20-something’s body). After all, we’re on the travel beat. It’s supposed to be fun (although it’s a lot of long hours on the road and in the edit bay).
Central Florida On Demand viewers on Bright House Networks digital cable channel 300 in Orlando, and Tampa viewers on Channel 340, Tampa Bay on Demand, will see a “silent Scott” pop up in the middle of story promoting other Tankful stories. I’ll never add any sound to these pieces, rather the words do all the talking. Click on the sideshow above to meet our “Sniper,” the man responsible for me skateboarding across the bottom of your TV.
Dethel Mateo is one of the most talented people at Central Florida News 13 and Central Florida On Demand. The graphic artist is the creator of each week’s “Greetings From” postcard. To date, he’s crafted more than 70 memorable postcards. Dethel also makes all the maps I use in my stories. It can be a time consuming process to take my “chicken scratches” outlined on paper and draft them into movable images, but Dethel does it with skill and ease.
Our snipes will continue to evolve and be even more creative during our On Demand stories (they’ll never play during our traditional Florida on a Tankful stories seen on News 13 and Bay News 9). In the week’s ahead, expect Dethel to create a giant hook that pulls me off screen and a suitcase that will fall from the sky and crush me. Have any ideas on how else Dethel can stretch and manipulate me? Drop us a line at sfais@cfnews13.com.
Have a great Fourth of July!
Until next week, safe travels!
-SCOTT
Scott Fais' loves to spend a day at the beach. What’s your favorite Florida coast? Drop him a line at:sfais@cfnews13.com. And send photos! He enjoys seeing the places you visited.