Lights - Camera - Action!

Hollywood, sort of, comes to Lido Key.  Cops and various other military types you'll likely see roaming Lido Beach over the next ten-days are actors in an Independent movie called Demon: Story of Chupacabra. The film by Ocean Productions, appropriately enough, brings with it a 20-25 member support staff.  Many of the actors are armed, some dressed as law enforcement officers. We're told no actual shots will be fired, including blanks or simulation rounds. Very un-Hollywood.

Here's the scoop.  Filming takes place on North Lido, South Lido, and north of Jungle Gardens off of Bayshore Drive.  There will be no road closures or interference with normal traffic. Most of the beach filming will be along paths and the tree lines. Cast members portraying law enforcement officers will carry (but not discharge) firearms. Filming began on Thursday and continues through September 6th. The cast and crew plans on spending 12-hours days in the hot Sarasota summer sun, beginning at 6:00 am.   

What's the Film About:  El Chupacabra, the "goat-sucker," was first seen in Puerto Rico in the mid-1990s. Descriptions vary, but it's said to be from 3 to 5 feet tall, have a row of spikes down its back, and possess alien-like eyes. It is also a vampire, supposedly sucking the blood out of its prey (mostly goats, sheep, and small animals). It is said to have either come from outer space, or be the product of secret government genetics experiments. It's true origin, a 1995 sci-fi film, was recently revealed in the book "Tracking the Chupacabra." The film stars Jasmaine Waltz, Michael Palcencia, and Bill Housekeeper with Rob Walker as Director.

The normal filming schedule is from 6 am – 6 pm. The scheduled dates and activity are:

Day 1: 8/25/11 - North and South Lido trails – no weapons, set-up meeting with Parks and Recreation

Day 2: 8/26/11 - North Lido trails – FIREARMS carried by cast members

Day 3: 8/27/11 - North and South Lido – cast members carrying FIREARMS

Day 4: 8/28/11 - North and South Lido – cast members carrying FIREARMS

Day 5: 8/29/11 - Bayshore Drive area – will include bodies of victims and FIREARMS

Day 6: 8/30/11 - North and South Lido – cast members with FIREARMS

Day 7: 8/31/11 - Rosemary Cemetery, 5th Street and Central Avenue, School of Arts and Science – cast members with FIREARMS

Day 8: 9/02/11 - North Lido trails – horse on the beach, actors police officers, FIREARMS

Day 9: 9/03/11 - North Lido trails – clearing at end of trails, FIREARMS

Day 10: 9/04/11 - North Lido trails – lake in mangroves, FIREARMS

Day 11: 9/05/11 - South Lido Beach – boat unloading some WEAPONS – North Lido tree line – FIRARMS

Day 12: 9/06/11 - South Lido trails – beach and water area southeast of main beach

Why Lido Shores? We're not sure, but after the latest Sunday Sunset gathering, it's possible some members may have reported seeing El Chupacabra, reportedly right before the elusive green flash. For more information, contact Ronda Hayes, Neighborhood Coordinator, City of Sarasota, ronda.rayes@sarasotagov.com, 941-954-2601.