Sarasota Area Information for Seniors: Sarasota "Where Urban America Meets Small Town Living" - Saratoga County
Population: 53,000+
Surrounding City: On West Coast of Florida 60 miles South of Tampa and St. Petersburg is 32 miles.
Other Nearby Island Communities: Venice, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, North Port, Lido Key
Colleges: University of Sarasota; Sarasota School of Massage; Sunshine Academy of Hair Design; Sarasota Travel School; Manatee Community College - 8 miles
Cultural Attractions: Sarasota Opera House;Sarasota Film Society;Sarasota Ballet;Art Center of Saratoga; Florida West Coast Symphony; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, among others.
Various tropical gardens and community theaters.
Downtown: Features cultural attractions, nightlife and restaurants of all kinds.
Shopping: Shopping Centers
To Do: County has 35 miles of white sand beaches. Gourmet dining and active night life as well as varied water activities.
Airports: Sarasota/Brandenton International - 4 miles; St. Petersburg/Clearwater International - 40 miles
Hospitals Doctors Hospital of Sarasota;Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota;Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Senior Centers: Senior Friendship Center of Sarasota
YMCA
Fitness Center
Websites:
www.sarasotachamber.com
www.sarasotagov.com
Climate: Sub-tropical; ave temp 72; Jan ave 61.5; Aug ave 80.
Interesting Facts: Money Magazine rated Sarasota one of the Nation's top 8 Best Places to Retire.
Unique: Bobby Jones Golf Course - 45 hole municipal facility named for legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr. who personally dedicated the facility on February 13, 1927. Sarasota makes claim of "the cradle of golf." They say the first golfcourse was in Sarasota in 1886.
"Spirit of Sarasota" Restaurant Week -- Weeklong dining event in May to showcase Sarasota Chefs. The city has one of the highest concentrations of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida.
Myakka River State Park is Florida's largest State Park.
Housing: Diversity of neighborhoods
