ABOUT SARASOTA

Sarasota County is located on the West Coast of Florida, about 60 miles south of Tampa (go to map).  The county's approximate 600 square miles extend west from rustic ranch land to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.  With more than 35 miles of gulf beaches, residents are within a 15-minute drive of the most spectacular white sand beaches in the world.

Beaches, boating, golf, dining, shopping, theater -- there's always something exciting going on in Sarasota.  Sophisticated or casual, upscale or economical, it's all just minutes away.  Visit my Helpful Links section for lots of great info.

Each area of Sarasota County has its own personality, and our visitors are delighted to find more vacation variety here than they ever expected.  The City of Sarasota, with its active downtown and arts and theater district, still has a friendly, small town feel.  Luxurious Longboat Key's manicured beach resorts and condos also offer world-class tennis, golf and dining.  Laid-back Siesta Key has the feel of a tropical island, with sugar white sand officially designated "the whitest, finest beach sand in the world".  St. Armands Circle is home to gourmet restaurants and chic shops featuring the best items from around the world.  Visit my Neighborhoods section for more information.

Once known primarily as a vacation or retirement destination, today's Sarasota is home to diversity.  A great year-round climate, expanding employment opportunities, abundant leisure time activities and excellent schools attract creative entrepreneurs, skilled workers and professionals who want to thrive in a community where life is fun.  Almost half of Sarasota County's population is in the prime working age range of 25 to 64.  No matter what your age or stage, there's always something interesting to do in Sarasota.  Check out my Lifestyles section.

Many magazine and newspapers articles describe Florida as a tropical paradise, and financial and investment publications feature lengthy articles on its economic vitality.  And our list of accolades is long!  Those of us who already live here know and appreciate what an extraordinary place it is and how fortunate we are.  Allow me to show you around town.