Sarasota Real Estate The Gateway To Beaches...
Sarasota is most well-known for its culture, beaches and resorts. It was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Today, it features the Ringling Museum of Art. Many people know it as the gateway to beaches including Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2013 Sarasota had a population of 53,326.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Sarasota County Fair – This 10-day festival held at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds on Ringling Boulevard is a favorite of all ages. Guests will experience animal and agricultural exhibits, musical entertainment, pie-eating contests, circus acts, amusement rides, and much more.
Taste of the Suncoast – Many Sarasota restaurants donate their food to help raise money for local food banks and fight hunger in the community. This event includes entertainment!
Sarasota Comedy Festival – this annual comedy festival benefits the local Child Protection Center. Well-known comedians come to Sarasota to entertain guests during each of the six nights of this event. Traditionally, there has been a luncheon and workshops for budding comedians.
Sarasota Jazz Festival – This week-long event features traditional jazz music as well as blues, swing, ragtime and more. There is an abundance of food as well.
Florida Winefest and Auction – this event raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for local charities. Participants will experience various tastings, pairing dinners, an official dance with top notch entertainment, and the final signature gala event – a an auction which is traditionally held at the Ritz Carlton.
Giving Hunger the Blues – This event launched in 1996 and the organizers never looked back. Featuring amazing food and music, this event is held in Sarasota’s Southside Village neighborhood in March/April timeframe. Organizations benefitting include: All Faiths Food Bank and other local charities. This is also an opportunities to bring the children — there are plenty of games, music, martial arts and dance geared toward a younger audience.
Florida International Air Show – this event occurs every year in Punta Gorda, at the Charlotte County Airport. Exhibits include both vintage and modern aircraft as well as shows by The Blue Angels.
Venice Sharks Tooth Festival – Held on the Venice Beach pier, “The Sharks Tooth Capital of the World”, this well-attended one-day festival is a spring favorite, featuring many displays of sharks teeth and other fossils, in addition to food and entertainment.
Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix – This event has raised millions of dollars for the local Child Development Center, including funds for a Special Olympics training facility in Venice, FL. Guests enjoy a series of boat racing events, a golf tournament, parades, and fishing tournaments during this 12-day event.
A Taste of Sarasota – Sponsored by the Florida Restaurant Association, this popular one-day event – held in September or October – sees top area chefs compete for a number of honors. There’s also plenty of food for spectators to taste, ice carving competitions, live music, arts and crafts, kids games, and more.
Sarasota Blues Festival – Held at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, this festival celebrates all things Blues. Nationally-recognized as one of the best events of its kind, top-name blues artists head to the area for a day full of great sounds. Event-goers can expect plenty of delicious food as well!
Cine World Film Festival – Sponsored by the Sarasota Film Society, this fun festival brings the best films of the Cannes, Toronto, and New York Film Festivals to the people of central Florida.
Sarasota Reading Festival – Thousands flock to downtown Sarasota for this educational festival that features lectures, seminars, book-signings and children’s activities. Suitable and enjoyable for all ages.
The Venice Holiday Parade – This event is traditionally held right after Thanksgiving, during the last weekend of November. Event-goers will experience lots of holiday floats and festivities.
Sarasota Downtown Holiday Parade – Thousands of people flock to this event in downtown Sarasota to celebrate Christmas Florida-style with holiday decor, floats and entertainment from local marching bands.
Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade – This special event includes a competition of decorated power and sailboats, with prizes given in several classes.
LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
Ringling College of Art and Design