2024

As our hospitality industry heals in the wake of disruptive storms, Visit Sarasota County (VSC) and community partners are encouraging local businesses to share how they’re ready to welcome residents and visitors alike through a new campaign, “Support the 941.” 

A Guide to Sarasota’s Neighborhoods from North to South!

Sarasota County is more than just its beautiful beaches—unique neighborhoods are waiting to be explored. From trendy urban districts and historic small-town charm to hidden gems with a local flair, each area offers something special. With the Neighborhood Navigator Pass, you can dive into Sarasota’s communities, discovering local eateries, boutiques, cultural hotspots, and more!

Source fresh local produce at Sarasota's U-pick farms, or various pick-up destinations, where the crop list and growing season are enviably long.  

Something’s always growing in Sarasota. Fruits and vegetables of all colors, shapes and sizes flourish in our climate. The trick is to know what’s in season when and where to find it.  

Sarasota’s prestigious sports facilities attract Olympian talent of all types. Meet the athletes from here, or who train here, for the Games!

Florida’s temperate climate and sports-oriented culture have long attracted elite athletes and their coaches. In fact, Florida ranked among the top 20 states for the most athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.  

Visit Sarasota County recognizes outgoing board members, Rick Konsavage and Ann Frescura, for their years of service. Pictured [From left to right]: John LaCivita, Vice-Chair; Rick Konsavage; Ann Frescura; and Hon. Ron Cutsinger.

Sarasota’s speakeasies are more than just hidden haunts—they’re hideaways that invite you to step off the beaten path and into a world of craft cocktails, unique atmospheres and unique experiences.

Sarasota, with its sun-drenched beaches and laid-back vibe, may seem like the perfect place for an afternoon cocktail in a breezy, open-air bar by the beach. But beneath the surface, this Gulf Coast metropolis holds a secret: a collection of hidden, or speakeasy-style, bars that are as elusive as they are enchanting. 

A deep dive into the shallow waters and changing tides of Sarasota's sneaky sandbars dotting the coastline. 

For those keen to explore Florida's Gulf Coast beauty from the deck of a boat or anchored ashore a remote (albeit, temporary) island, Sarasota’s sandbars offer an experience beyond the 40 miles of coastline. 

For the third consecutive year, Sarasota County has been awarded a Trazee Award for favorite beach town in Florida (west). Created by the team at FXExpress Publications, Inc. and Global Traveler, trazeetravel.com has been announcing their annual winners for ten years. The website offers travel information on a global scale specifically targeted toward those traveling under the age of 40.  

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is thrilled to announce another resounding success for the 19th Annual Savor Sarasota, held from June 1st to June 14th. Once again, this year's Savor event highlighted Sarasota's culinary scene as a must-visit for any food lover. 

The secret ingredient? An impressive 63 Visit Sarasota County member restaurants! These amazing establishments dished up an incredible selection of two-course lunch and three-course dinner prix-fixe menus, offering a dazzling array of flavors and experiences that tantalized the taste buds of nearly 15,000 diners.