SARASOTA, FLORIDA

Sarasota, Florida is on the Gulf in Southwest Florida about 60 miles south of Tampa.  It's population is nearly 60,000.

The major highways entering Sarasota are US-41 and I-75 from the north and State Road 72 from the east. 

Sarasota, like many places in the state, was originally the home of native Americans who began settling in the area about 10,000 years ago.

The first Europeans to discover the area were the Spanish, who landed at Charlotte Harbor to the south in 1513.  Sarasota Bay is large and sheltered from the Gulf by barrier islands. 

The bay became a seasonal place for fishing and trading by Americans and Cubans in the years leading up to Florida becoming a United States territory in 1821.

White settlers began moving into the area in big numbers by the 1840's. The area was known by then as Zara Zote on old Spanish maps, and the newcomers began calling the area Sara Sota.

William Whitaker was reportedly the first permanent resident of what became in later years the City of Sarasota Florida.

He sold fish and raised cattle, and married Mary Jane Wyatt of Manatee and they had 11 children.

This family survived many hardships of pioneer life, including raids by the Seminole Indians. Many descendants of this family still live in Sarasota.

Sarasota was incorporated in the early 1900's. One of the earliest developers was Owen Burns, who built many buildings, houses, roads and bridges. 

John Ringling of circus fame was one of his earliest investors, but Burns went broke anyway in the depression that ended the big Florida land boom of the 1920's. Ringling went broke not long after.

She bought another 19,000 acres in 1914 in the Temple Terrace area east of Tampa.

Mrs. Palmer became a big time land developer, banker, cattle rancher, citrus farmer and Florida socialite. She encouraged many of her rich friends to spend their winters in Sarasota.

Some of the land she owned is still known today as Palmer Ranch, one of Florida's largest planned communities.

Palmer Bank was one of the most important banks in Sarasota until it merged with Southeast Banks in 1976.

Mrs. Palmer died in 1918. In the 16 years after her husband's death, she more than doubled the family fortune. Her sons continued to operate the family empire.

They eventually transferred Meadowsweet Pastures, their huge cattle ranch, to the State of Florida.

It became Myakka River State Park.

During Mrs. Palmer's time in Sarasota, she drew worldwide recognition for the city as an exclusive vacation destination and location for winter homes for wealthy northerners.

Among these were John and Mable Ringling, and John's brother Charles. Sarasota became the winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus.

John and Mable built their magnificent mansion, Ca d'Zan (House of John) in 1925, and today it is an art museum on the National Register of Historic Places.

Charles's estate became the campus of New College. Both Ringlings were active in the development of Sarasota, and in the cultural affairs of the community.

Like many Floridians, they lost most of their fortunes in the collapse of the 1920's land boom.  When John Ringling died in 1936, he had less than $400 in his bank account.

The downtown area of Sarasota is loaded with theaters, art galleries, restaurants, and parks.

The focal point of downtown is Bayfront Drive, a curved boulevard along the shoreline of Sarasota Bay. 

Even though the east side of this thoroughfare is lined with high rise condominiums, you still have an unobstructed view of the bay to the west.

The John Ringling Causeway leads across the bay from downtown Sarasota to St. Armand's, a circular neighborhood of shops, galleries, and restaurants.

From that point on Lido Key, you can drive north to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida on Longboat Key and up to Anna Maria Island on the north. 

The opera, theaters, ballet performances, museums, art museums and schools were all grown from the seeds planted by the early visionaries.

The Florida West Coast Symphony, Ringling School of Art, Asolo Theatre Company were all or in part gifts of wealthy benefactors.

The combination of cultural amenities and natural attractions make Sarasota a great place to live. 

Boating is popular from the many marinas including downtown's Marina Jack. 

The tropical landscaping, shell collecting, bird watching, balmy winter weather and well designed golf courses add to Sarasota's charm.

Sarasota's Unconditional Surrender Statue

An interesting feature in downtown Sarasota was the statue "Unconditional Surrender." 

The sculpture is based on a iconic photograph taken in Times Square when it was announced World War Two was over.

The 25 foot tall statue is located in Bayfront between O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill and Marina Jack. 

Probably more than any other place in Florida, the blue green waters of the Gulf against the backdrop of sparkling white beaches make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise.

Nearby Siesta Key is a favorite tourist destination.

St. Armands Circle is a historic, high-end outdoor shopping and dining district located on an island in Sarasota Bay next to Lido Key.

Designed in the 1920s by circus magnate John Ringling, the open-air, European-inspired roundabout features lush courtyards, antique statuary, and the Circus Ring of Fame. 

It is home to more than 140 boutiques, specialty gift shops, and upscale art galleries.  Shops offer designer apparel including shoes and jewelry.

There are also several award winning restaurants there including the Colombia Restaurant.

The Community of Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota

Sarasota and Sarasota County have seen tremendous growth in the recent decades. 

Much of this growth has been in several large developments east of town that were created after I-75 was completed.

The largest of these is Lakewood Ranch that comprises 31,000 acres in both Manatee County and Sarasota County.  The land was formerly a large cattle ranch.

It is a master planned community that was created in the late 1980s and has quickly grown to a totally "new town" of about 43,000 people living in 18,000 homes.  

People can not only live there, but work, shop, dine, and generally be self sufficient in their own community with numerous shopping centers and office complexes.

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THINGS TO DO IN SARASOTA, FORIDA

The Ringling Museum 
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243 | (941) 359-5700

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a museum complex that features art galleries, circus exhibits, beautiful gardens, and a mansion called Ca' d'Zan.

The museum houses an extensive collection of Baroque art, including works by Rubens, van Dyck, and Velázquez. The museum also hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year. Website: ringling.org

Explore Siesta Key Beach: Siesta Key Beach is a popular beach in Sarasota, known for its white quartz sand and crystal-clear waters.

The beach offers plenty of amenities, including picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground. Visitors can also rent equipment for water sports or take a relaxing walk along the shoreline. Website: visitsarasota.com

Sarasota Jungle Gardens 
3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234 | (941) 355-5305

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a family-friendly attraction that features exotic animals, beautiful gardens, and interactive exhibits.

Visitors can watch live animal shows, hand-feed flamingos, and even hold an alligator. The park also has a playground, a cafe, and a gift shop. Website: sarasotajunglegardens.com

Sarasota Bay Explorers
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 388-4200

They offer a variety of boat tours that allow visitors to explore the area's unique ecology and wildlife. The tours range from a simple sightseeing trip to a more immersive eco-tour that includes snorkeling and kayaking.

Visitors can choose from a wide selection of tour options, including sunset tours and private charters. Website: Sarasotabayexplorers.com

Barefoot Tiki
1101 10th Street
Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 966-3000

This tour is an upscale, BYOB, tiki boat cruise on Sarasota Bay from downtown Sarasota.  It includes a dolphin cruise from $60 and a two-hour sunset cruise from $75.  Their US Coast Guard inspected boat carries up to 16 guests and has a thatched roof and an onboard restroom.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 
Downtown Sarasota campus
1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 366-5731

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a beautiful garden that features a wide variety of plant species from around the world. The gardens also have a butterfly house, a greenhouse, and several art exhibits.

The gardens offer a peaceful and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Website: selby.org

Go on a Segway Tour: Segway tours are a unique and fun way to explore Sarasota. There are several companies that offer Segway tours, including the Sarasota Segway Tours and Segs by the Sea. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including a sunset tour, a city tour, and a beach tour. Website: sarasotasegwaytours.com or segsbythesea.com

Sarasota Farmers Market 
N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 225-9256

The Sarasota Farmers Market is a popular attraction that features local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm and is located in downtown Sarasota.

It is centered at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenues, extending to First Street on the North End, and Pineapple Avenue on the South End, with Vendors also located on State Street.

Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a variety of other activities. Website: sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Mote Science Education Aquarium 
225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 388-6683

The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a world-renowned marine research facility that also features an aquarium with exhibits that showcase the marine life of the Gulf.

The aquarium has a variety of interactive exhibits, including touch tanks and a shark habitat. Visitors can also take a boat tour to see dolphins and manatees in the wild. Website: mote.org

Sarasota Opera House 
61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 328-1300

The Sarasota Opera House is a beautiful historic theater that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including operas, concerts, and plays.

The theater has been restored to its original grandeur and features stunning architecture and acoustics. It first opened in 1926.

Myakka River State Park
13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, Florida, spans 37,000 acres or 58 square miles. It is one of Florida’s largest and oldest state parks.

The Myakka River, a central feature, flows through wetlands, prairies, and forests. The canopy walkway provides elevated views of the landscape.

Belle Haven Apartments
1133 Fourth Street, Sarasota

Belle Haven Apartments, also known as El Vernona Apartments or Broadway Apartments, is a historic building in Sarasota, Florida.

The three-story Mediterranean Revival structure overlooks Sarasota Bay. Built in 1926, it now serves as offices. It can be viewed from the street.

S.H. Kress Building
1442 Main Street, Sarasota

Located in downtown Sarasota's Five Points district is a striking example of art deco commercial architecture. Originally a "five and dime" department store, this three-story brick structure once buzzed with shoppers.

Today, its preserved façade, adorned with the iconic "5-10-25 CENT STORE" inscription, anchors downtown's eclectic mix of bars, shops, and galleries.

Visit Pinecraft,  a small neighborhood of 3,000 people in the heart of Sarasota. It is a unique winter vacation destination for Amish and Mennonite families who typically hail from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. See interesting buildings, people, gift shops, and restaurants. It is located a few miles southeast of downtown Sarasota bounded by Beneva Road to the west, Bahia Vista Street to the north, and Philippi Creek to the south.

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