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Nokomis Beach is Sarasota County's oldest public beach. The Nokomis Beach Plaza was designed and built in the 1950's by Jack West, of the renowned Sarasota School of Architecture, and renovated in 2008. Amenities include: beach, swimming, lifeguards, boardwalk, canoe/kayak launch, boat ramp and dock on bayside, historic Nokomis Beach...
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?This 16-acre neighborhood park located east of I-75 between Bee Ridge Road and Proctor Road was once known as Sunshine Springs and Gardens. This local attraction operated from 1955 to 1959 featuring a swan boat tour through the tropical gardens and lake and "aquabelles" in water ski shows. Now the...
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This park’s large acreage of scrubby flatwoods makes it one of the best places in southwest Florida to view Florida scrub-jays, an imperiled species found only in Florida. The birds are abundant in this 1,381-acre park. In addition to viewing wildlife, an array of other land-based and water-based recreational activities...
Editorial
Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, southwest of Orlando, south of Tampa and north of Naples, Sarasota County boasts 40 miles of coastline and eight barrier islands. There are numerous beaches and state parks, two Audubon societies, the Legacy Trail, a world-renowned rowing facility, historic archeological sites and numerous...
Editorial
Find all kinds of ways to explore the great outdoors in this Sarasota County city North Port is the largest city in Sarasota County, both in terms of population and land mass. But while that fact might make you think of crowds or overdevelopment, the reality is just the opposite."North...
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In 1963, Manasota Beach consisted of a small beach (450 feet of Gulf frontage) with four concrete picnic shelters. Spoil from the construction of the ICW was pumped onto the bay side of Manasota Beach in the early 1960's, expanding the park. Additional beach was purchased by the County in...
Editorial
This world-class aquatics and rowing facility features a premier 2,000 meter regatta course, the only International Rowing Federation-approved course in North America. Nathan Benderson Park is a Sarasota County owned park that is managed by the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, Inc. (SANCA). This 600-acre multi-use facility is one of...
Editorial
Sarasota County is home to a lot of ecosystems and habitats. Learn about the different parks that feature some family-friendly fun no matter what season!Venice is a beautiful seaside town on the Florida Gulf Coast. Experience natural Florida habitats such as scrubby and pine flatwoods, mangrove islands, and estuarine rivers...
Editorial
If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of Florida’s beloved gentle giants, Sarasota County is one of the best places to do it.These slow-moving, plant-munching marine mammals (often called “sea cows”) thrive in the warm, shallow waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether you're kayaking through mangroves or exploring our state...
Editorial
Tours combine your favorite activity with knowledgeable experts that enhance the experience. Whether you’d like to go on an active adventure or an easy-going excursion, these tours are a great way to spend the day. To the untrained eye, Sarasota might just be another Florida city with busy hubs, nice...