December

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus launched a clown college in the Florida beach destination in 1967, and gave the world a new generation of entertainers

Sarasota County has long been synonymous with the circus and the art of clowning.

It is a relationship that dates back nearly a century, when John Ringling, the Midwestern impresario, moved the winter quarters of his Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from Bridgeport, Conn. to a burgeoning Florida city called Sarasota in 1927.

A historic high school campus is reborn as a world-class museum of contemporary art near the heart of downtown Sarasota

Sarasota County adds another feather to its cap of impressive of visual arts attractions at the end of 2019: The Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art + Design.

More than 55 community organizations are hosting months of performances, gallery walks, concerts and more to champion 100 years of women's suffrage in 2020

Enjoy the latest news and updates from our Visit Sarasota County Sports Sales Team

Sports Update

Sports Tourism Ties Sarasota County to Tokyo

Find out how a large, lighted tropical fruit became the iconic symbol of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Southwest Florida

Since 2000, downtown Sarasota has welcomed in the New Year with a free special event that draws 20,000 to 25,000 people. It is described by locals as the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Southwest Florida, known for dropping a bright, decorative pineapple at midnight—much like how New York City drops an apple.

Whether visiting for the first time ever, or the first time in a while, this guide features new experiences each visitor will enjoy!

Shop and dine at the chic locations hidden in this quaint district along Hillview Street just south of downtown Sarasota

A mere mile south of downtown Sarasota, lies a sprawling neighborhood known as Southside teeming with families in both new and historic homes. This family friendly community has influenced the types of businesses that have settled in its commercial district, Southside Village. As a result, it’s an excellent part of town for the family to visit, offering a comfortable, walkable environment for all ages.

The crown jewel of Wellen Park – Florida's fastest growing master-planned community is CoolToday Park; the new spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. The state-of-the-art facility, which opened in 2019, is available for public rental when not in use by the team. Stadium features include seating for more than 8,000 spectators; a 5,000 sq. ft. press box; 2 umpire locker rooms; full-service suites, and Tomahawk Tiki Bar, an outfield patio and bar open daily year-round for lunch and dinner. Additional complex features include 6 major league practice fields with scoreboards, 50,000 sq. ft.

Covering over 35 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota County is comprised of multiple barrier islands.