Sunsets at Gulf Haven have always been special. There is, of course, the star of the show — that sun! — kissing the wide horizon over the Gulf of Mexico. It never gets old – at last count, I’ve over 250 pictures of Siesta Key sunsets on my iPhone…
It’s a great time to watch the birds. Pelicans and an occasional heron drift over the shoreline, waiting for a reason to dive into the water for their dinner. Gulls and terns gather noisily on the beach.
And for years, somewhere along the beach south of Gulf Haven, someone trumpeted “Taps” each night just as the sun set. It always lent a special feeling to the moment. Then, one year, suddenly, no more. We don’t know what happened, but after a while, Gulf Haven owner Tony Veatch decided that this was a tradition worth keeping. So, he picked up his violin and started his own sunset tribute. Over time, he’s also brought his guitar and ukulele, and he’s been joined by other Gulf Haven owners and guests. The nightly concert has grown from “Taps” and the national anthem to include all kinds of music, even some singalongs from neighbors gathered on our patio.
Singer/songwriter Susan Werner has been a Gulf Haven guest this season, and the Sarasota Observer stopped by to check out our sunset concert on one of the nights she joined the fun. Check out this article!
And, if you’re looking to make a little music, make a few new friends, or just to toast the end of a glorious day on Siesta Key, Gulf Haven’s your place!
Video: Taps at Sunset