Sarasota Way Back When
In 1885, Sarasota was promoted in Scotland. Many families sailed to America expecting fields of vegetables, housing, and citrus groves. They found only a stump-filled Main Street and most of the colonists left. John Hamilton Gillespie, a Scottish aristocrat, lawyer and member of the Royal Company of Archers, Queen's Bodyguard for Scotland, built what is believed to be America's first golf course in Sarasota. Gillespie also built the DeSoto Hotel on Main Street for tourists and prospective investors. In 1902, he was elected as Sarasota's first mayor.
Jan's Sarasota Suggestions
SARASOTA LINKS
Mote Marine Aquarium
Ringling Museum of Art
Selby Botanical Gardens
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Players Theatre
Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Jazz Club
Sarasota Ballet
Sarasota Bay Explorers
Dolphin Watch Cruises
G-WIZ
Jan Carper - Sarasota Realtor
3701 S. Osprey Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34239
Office - (941) 954-5959
Cell - (941) 928-0011
E-Mail Me
www.jancarper.com
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Jan and ERA
Jan's association with ERA Mount Vernon (now known as Hunt Real Estate ERA who hails from Buffalo, NY) has been long lasting. She has been with this company for 20 years recognized for her outstanding performance in the Sarasota area marketplace. She consistently has been a multi-million producer and popular with both her peers as well as her customer base. In fact, Jan has been chosen #l in Customer Service award voted by both her peers, her clients, and Sarasota Magazine. Hunt Real Estate ERA is ranked as the #l ERA office worldwide for their sales volume & customer service. They posted 10,000 transactions in 2007 which speaks highly of their agents/service. The association with Hunt Real Estate and ERA assists Jan with the many tools and continuing education to keep her current in real estate knowledge and expertise.
  
Sarasota Schools
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Sarasota Beaches
Since 1987 the sand on Siesta Key's beach has been judged as among the whitest and most powdery in the world in the "Great International White Sand Contest." There is a public beach in the center of the key with lifeguards, volleyball nets, tennis courts, a playground and shady spots for picnics. A few miles to the south, Crescent Beach holds fascination for snorkelers.
Although much of it is not a swimming beach, the most interesting beach is South Lido Beach on the southern tip of St. Armands Key. This is one of the spots where Sarasota Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Here,  aqua water races up and down Big Sarasota Pass depending on the tide. Walkers will find firm sand and plenty of interesting things to look at. The beach starts on the Gulf with white-capped waves rolling in. Continuing on, South Lido runs along the Pass. Besides admiring the water, there are fishermen to stop and visit with, each accompanied by a flock of pelicans just waiting for them to catch something. The pelicans themselves are a delight for they are graceful fliers that always manage to stay just above the waves. Sail boats gracefully working their way through the pass.
A bit further along the beach is a wonderful place for setting up a picnic or a day camp as large Australian pines shade the entire area. Another quarter mile and the beach is on Sarasota Bay itself, next to a cove sheltered by mangroves. The water is not only clear, but also placid here, making it easy to observe the fish and other animals that make their home here. There are also benches here for a bit of relaxing before heading back.
Those looking for a bit of privacy instead of all this activity should head for the next key north, Longboat Key. While driving up Route 789, the main drag, look for the blue and white "Beach Access" signs labeled Neptune Avenue Beach or Mayfield Street Beach. Both are right on the Gulf but are less known, and therefore, a bit secluded. The beaches here are also quite wide and the sand is a bit softer than than found at some other beaches. These beaches are also a great spot to watch the sun set.
Nokomis Beach
Nokomis Beach is located on Casey Key directly west of the Albee Road Bridge.
The park includes 22 acres with 1,700 feet on the Gulf and 3,200 feet on the Intracoastal. There's an on-site snack bar serving sandwiches, snacks and cold drinks. One of the few places on the beach you can get a sandwich and soft drink for under $5.
- The beach's amenities include:
- rest rooms
- concession pavilion
- small picnic shelters
- boat ramp
- boardwalk and deck
- dune walkovers
Lifeguards are on duty year round.
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North Jetty Park is located on the southern tip of Casey Key. The jetties there make it one of the best places on the west coast of Florida for surfing. It's a popular spot for picnics and there is good fishing. Boats pass through the jetties from the Intracoastal to the Gulf
The park's amenities include:
- rest rooms
- large picnic shelter
- small picnic shelters
- horseshoe courts
- volleyball courts
- concession
Lifeguards are on duty year round. For information on shelter rentals, call (941)316-1172.
When there's a storm in the Gulf of Mexico, surfers come from the other side of Florida to surf the waves breaking on North Jetty Beach in Nokomis. The photo to the left is while tropical storm Isidore was churning in the Gulf pushing a lot of surf toward Venice and Nokomis.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is located at the west end of Venice Avenue one mile west of business Route 41. If you're a SCUBA diver, a reef containing fossilized material is located a quarter of a mile offshore. You can also find fossilized sharks teeth along the beach.
- The beach's amenities include:
- pavilion
- rest rooms
- concession
- picnic tables
- volleyball court
Lifeguards are on duty year round.
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Good swimming conditions.
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Use caution
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Dangerous swimming conditions
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Hazardous Marine Life
Blue |
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Sarasota at Night
Sarasota's downtown comes to life at night with a bustling Main Street area that offers a variety of entertainment, bars and nightclubs. Check with the listed nightclub for exact times for live entertainment. There are also a number of clubs offering DJ entertainment and dancing. Alcohol isn't the only thing to drink downtown. There are a number of coffee bars and restaurants offering outdoor dining where the entertainment often is people watching. At the north end of Main Street is the Regal Hollywood 20 movie theater at Main Plaza and there is the Burns Court theater of the Sarasota Film Society.
Cà d'Zan Lounge named for the "House of John" Ringling is located in the Ritz Carlton Hotel, (dressy), offering live entertainment and expensive drinks.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
941-309-2000
Caragiulo's
69 S. Palm Ave.
941-951-0866
Club Envy offers a tri-level dance floor, 4 bars, 5 beer tubs, balcony level seating and game room. Entertainment varies but mostly DJ and dancing..
1927 Ringling Blvd.
941-951-0335
The Gator Club offers live music 7 nights a week. Located in an historic building, the downstairs area is usually crowded with live music fans and dancers on the small dance floor. Upstairs there are pool tables and comfortable sofas and the bar is known for a large selection of Scotch Whiskeys.
1490 Main St.
941-366-5969
High Side Café
1105 N. Washington Blvd.
941-366-2678
Le Barge is like a giant houseboat with a bar and dance floor on the top deck and cocktail tables inside. Entertainment is usually a solo guitar player singer performing island style music and Jimmy Buffet hits. Le Barge sails several times a day around Sarasota Bay and offers a great view of the waterfront homes and spectacular sunsets. Be sure to bring the camera. Call for schedule.
Marina Jack Basin, Island Park
941-366-6116
Main St. Bistro: Main Street Bistro is located in the former Le Cigar space is a restaurant and bar featuring live music. High speed Internet access is available at the bar for your laptop. Kind of a scotch & soda & surfing. Dinner entrées average $20.
Marina Jack is a waterfront institution in Sarasota. There's a downstairs outside large patio bar area adjacent to the marina. Inside is a bar and restaurant and upstairs is fine dining overlooking Island Park and the beautiful dolphin fountain.
2 Marina Plaza
941-365-4232
Mickey's Downtown Restaurant
301 S. Pineapple Ave.
941-365-4430
Silver Cricket
Upscale bar and restaurant
1923 Ringling Blvd.
941-955-9179
Le Chang
DJ entertainment
55 Pam Ave.
941-373-9233
Two Senoritas
Mexican restaurant with a large bar area. Good spot to people watch if you get a seat near the window.
1355 Main St.
941-366-1618
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Sarasota Airport
History: The airport's beginnings date back to early 1939 when government and business leaders from Sarasota and Manatee counties agreed to construct an airport together, designed to serve the aviation needs of the two-county area. A 620-acre site was selected on the Sarasota-Manatee County line through a Federal WPA-CCA Grant.
Directions: SRQ is geographically located on the West coast of Florida just south of Tampa Bay.
To reach the airport from the interstate take Exit 40 off I-75 then turn West on to University Parkway, go 6.5 miles then turn right at the traffic signal into the terminal. From Sarasota, proceed North on US 41/Tamiami Trail to University Parkway, turn right, then merge into the left lane and turn left at the first traffic signal. From Bradenton, proceed South on US 41/Tamiami Trail to University Parkway, stay in the left lane and turn left at the first traffic signal.
Ground Transportation: Diplomat Taxi is the contracted taxi provider at the airport; their phone number is 355-5155. Sarasota and Manatee counties provide public transit service approximately 12 hours per day. The buses are located at the west end of the baggage claim wing in the Ground Transportation area.
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Sarasota Taxes
As a property owner in Sarasota County, it pays to be informed about your rights and responsibilities under Florida law. Understanding the procedures regarding property taxes can save you money and will help this office to better serve you. If you have questions not answered here, please do not hesitate to call (941) 861-8300 or e-mail to Info@SarasotaTaxCollector.com
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What if I receive a notice stating "This bill has been requested by an escrow company"? |
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Sarasota Attractions
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LEBARGE TROPICAL CRUISES
U.S. 41 at Marina Jack's
366-6116
SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS
3701 Bay Shore Road
355-5303
9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Daily
SARASOTA POLO CLUB
Games 1PM Every Sunday December - March
8201 Polo Club Lane
359-0000
SARASOTA RED SOX Sarasota Red Sox
Home Games 7PM Mon. - Sat. | 5PM Sunday
Ed Smith Stadium
Cor. 12th St. & Tuttle Ave
365-4460 Contact me and I will provide you with information on EVERYTHING to do in Sarasota!
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Sarasota Utilities
The Engineering Department of the City of Sarasota is pleased to provide you with the following utility addresses as a public service. We realize the importance of contacting the utilities companies when planning any project, and we encourage you to write, phone, or e-mail the appropriate organization regarding your plans.
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City of Sarasota Public Works Department
William Hallisey, Director
1761 12th Street
Sarasota, Florida 34230
Phone (941) 954-4198
Fax (941) 365-0268 |
City of Sarasota Water Utilities
Douglas Taylor, Deputy Director
1750 12th Street
Sarasota, Fl 34230
Phone (941) 955-2325
Fax (941) 365-4840
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City of Sarasota Emergency Services
Captain Al Woodle
2050 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
(941) 954- 7032
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Sarasota County Utilities Department
1301 Cattleman Road
Sarasota, Florida 34240
(941) 378-6100 |
Sarasota County Building Department
1301 Cattleman Road
Sarasota, Florida 34240
(941) 378-6117 |
Verizon of Southwest Florida
1701 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
(941) 365-0054
www.gte.com |
KMC Telecom
1800 2nd St
Suite 808
Sarasota, Florida 34236
(941) 308-5621
www.kmctelecom.com |
Comcast Cablevision
5205 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, Florida 34240
(941) 371-6700
www.insarasota.com |
People's Gas System Inc (Teco)
8261 Vico Court
Sarasota, Florida 34240
1-877-832-6747(Toll Free)
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Florida Power and Light
(941) 917-0708
www.fpl.com |
Sunshine - Underground facilities locating service
1-800-432-4770 |
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History of Sarasota
In 1885, Sarasota was promoted in Scotland. Many families sailed to America expecting fields of vegetables, housing, and citrus groves. They found only a stump-filled Main Street and most of the colonists left. John Hamilton Gillespie, a Scottish aristocrat, lawyer and member of the Royal Company of Archers, Queen's Bodyguard for Scotland, built what is believed to be America's first golf course in Sarasota. Gillespie also built the DeSoto Hotel on Main Street for tourists and prospective investors. In 1902, he was elected as Sarasota's first mayor.
Scottish influence remains evident through the annual Sarasota Highland Games and Festival and the Riverview High Kiltie band, which wears authentic kilts and features bagpipers and Highland dancers. The Crowley Museum and Nature Center in eastern Sarasota vividly demonstrates what life was like for Sarasota's first settlers in the late 19th century.
Sarasota began attracting wealthy Americans in the 1910's as it does today. Bertha Palmer, widow of Chicago developer Potter Palmer, came to Sarasota and built extensive gardens on her waterfront winter estate, Osprey Point, which is today's Historic Spanish Point. Palmer also purchased a 30,000-acre ranch in eastern Sarasota which is now Myakka River State Park.
John Ringling, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus fame, made a mark on the community of Sarasota in various ways. In the 1920s, he and his wife, Mable, built a magnificent Venetian-style estate on Sarasota Bay named Cà d' Zan. Then they built an art museum for their collection of works by Peter Paul Rubens and other 17th-century Italian and Flemish art. In addition, John used his circus elephants to help build the first bridge from the mainland to St. Armands Key, which he developed as a commercial and residential center.
The circus' winter quarters were moved to Sarasota in 1927, thus creating a new identity for Sarasota as a "circus town." Now Sarasota is known as the "Circus Capitol of the World" and is home to many circuses. In 1949, the gymnastics program at Sarasota High School was expanded to include circus acts and the Sarasota Sailor Circus was born. Sarasota County is the only public school system in the United States that sponsors an after school youth circus program known as the Sailor Circus and is also home to Ringling's Clown College
Sarasota became a mecca for modern architecture between 1941 and 1966 when a group of architects came together to debate the philosophies of abstract expressionism in a creative community with a cultural tradition ready to accept tenets of modernist design. The result was a remarkable body of work known as the Sarasota School of Architecture and their work is still enjoyed here today. Go to TOP
Sarasota Map
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