The Bachelor has found itself a binge-worthy sibling in Siesta Key. The reality series, created by the producers of Laguna Beach, features a group of young adults who spend the summer together in Siesta Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. The cast develops lasting friendships, falls in love, gets their hearts broken, and goes through more gossip-worthy experiences under the sun--all while trying to find themselves on the cusp of adulthood. With Season 3 of the show currently airing on MTV, cast members Amanda Miller and Jared Kelderman spill behind-the-scenes secrets.

Why did you decide to join the cast of Siesta Key?

Amanda Miller: I've been friends with everyone in the cast for as long as I can remember. We all became super close right after high school, and once the opportunity arose for us to do the show together, of course, I was on board and very excited. I chose not to join Season 1 because I was traveling to Europe with one of my best friends, but in the end, thankfully, everything came together, and I was able to join my friends for Season 2. Season 3 is where I really make my debut, though.

Jared Kelderman: I was just getting out of the military and was having issues adjusting. I really missed being around all of my family, so one day, I decided I was going to move back to Siesta Key. Then, I got a phone call from a casting director as I was packing to ask if I was interested in being on a show. I’d never seen it before but decided, “Sure, why not?” The rest is history.





What’s one thing people may not know about staying on the island?

Miller: Siesta Key is a small part of the town we live in, which is Sarasota, Florida. Alex [Kompothecras]' parents have a house on the island where we all would hang out at, and it's become a huge part of our town since the show has aired. Siesta Key is full of beautiful beaches, restaurants, and fun activities. I was born and raised here, and it will always be my favorite place.

Kelderman: The island is small, and the traffic is terrible! There aren’t too many young people since it’s a retirement-type area.





Were you hopeful that you were going to find love there?

Miller: Siesta Key is actually a small town, so it's hard to find someone to date that hasn't been with somebody you already know. It can be quite difficult to find a good relationship, but there are some good opportunities here.

Kelderman: I guess I’m always hoping to find love. I am a 26-year-old divorced guy, so I figured, “Why not shoot some shots?”





What’s your favorite activity you took part in on the island and why?

Miller: My favorite thing to do is to go out on boats and get in the sun and water. Of course, I also do a lot of partying with my friends--it’s perfect for those of us in our twenties.

Kelderman: I love boating and just being on the water in general. That always has been and still is my favorite.

Who were some of your closest friends on the show?

Miller: My best friend from day one has always been Chloe [Trautman]. Juliette [Porter] and I got close last summer, but I was never as close with her as I am with Chloe. It's hard finding real friends in the Key because there's always drama and sides to be chosen, whether you like it or not.

Kelderman: My longest friendships have been with Amanda and Madisson [Hausburg], but I think I get along with everyone pretty well these days, so it’s kind of hard to choose.