2017

My daughter and I drew in the smell of a saltwater breeze, the sounds of a jubilant crowd, and the sensation of fine white sand squishing beneath our shoes as we made our way to the starting line adjacent to the yellow lifeguard stand on Siesta Beach. At only three years old my little girl has developed a curiosity to explore and a desire to run at any opportunity.

My morning was rushed. It was earlier than I’m usually moving on a Sunday morning. And in the twenty minutes before my mother in law arrived to babysit, I needed to make and pick up breakfast, get the kids dressed, beds made, lunches prepped. It looked like a thunderstorm so do I pack a raincoat? It might clear up. Maybe I need sunscreen. Did I have enough water? Does the camera have batteries and memory space? Do we have the address?

Discover the wonderful, colorful botanical gardens of Sarasota County.

Traveling need not be agonizing! Arrive with time to spare using the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) 511 Traveler Information System.

Motorists traveling through and around Sarasota County, as well as other Florida destinations, can take advantage of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) program called 511 Traveler Information System.

The program is designed to help inform travellers with information about crashes, congestion, construction and more on all of Florida's interstates, toll roads and major metropolitan roadways.

We've compiled a list of five things visiting young professionals will love about Sarasota.

We've all heard the stereotypes: Sarasota County is a retirement community; there's nothing here for young people; everything cool is in bigger cities. I'll admit, when I first came here, I had some of these same concerns. But after I arrived, it didn't take long to realize how much Sarasota County has to offer young professionals. 

Looking for something to do tonight?

A jet skiing adventure on the bay, a kayaking tour through the swamplands or a fishing excursion on the Intracoastal Waterway—these are all part of the Florida outdoor experience which, in Sarasota, is particularly unique.

The new Englewood Beach Waterfest celebrates the community's coastal connections

Englewood has long drawn folks interested in fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities. A new festival, Englewood Beach Waterfest, will celebrate the community's liquid assets with activities ranging from educational exhibits to powerboat racing.

There are several ways to top off a juicy, fresh fish filet. Check out some of our favorite ones.

Florida’s Gulf coast offers many varieties of tasty fish and, as a fishing gal myself, I’ve caught my share. But even if you don’t catch them yourself, they can easily be found during their peak seasons in Sarasota fish markets, all filleted and ready to cook at home.