Sarasota is a tropical paradise on the Gulf of Mexico that offers abundant natural beauty, cultural tradition, and plenty of sunshine. With over 600,000 people, the Sarasota/Manatee/Charlotte area is one of the largest, most affluent markets in Florida. It has approximately 1/4 the population of the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Sarasota, although a mid-sized city, is considered to be the cultural center of West Central Florida. The city has a metropolitan flavor unique to cities of its size and to cities in Florida.

Beaches, boating, golf, dining, shopping, theater - there's always something exciting going on in the greater Sarasota area. Sophisticated or casual, upscale or economical, it's all just minutes away. Each area of Sarasota County has its own personality. 

Sarasota County is home to some of the most in-demand beaches, trails, parks and recreation facilities. With more than 200 parks, 109 athletic fields, 16 recreation and community centers, miles of pristine beaches and more than 2000 acres of open space parkland Sarasota County Parks and Recreation offers something for everyone!

Some of the larger communities are: Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Venice, Englewood and North Port.

Manatee County is also located on Florida’s breathtaking Gulf Coast. It is bordered by Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg to the north, Hardee and DeSoto counties to the east and Sarasota to the south. The beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island fade into the Gulf of Mexico to the west.

The County seat and the largest municipality in Manatee County is Bradenton. Manatee County has five other municipalities, including the City of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, the Town of Longboat Key and Palmetto.

Port Charlotte, the county’s geographical center, is a fairly new community created and developed in the late 1950’s. Situated on and around pristine Charlotte Harbor, Florida’s second-largest estuarine system, the communities of Charlotte County reflect the unique ambiance of the area.

The communities of Charlotte County: Boca Grande, on Gasparilla Island, offers old world charm. El Jobean, a community with charming old-Florida flair. Englewood-Cape Haze, located on the Lemon Bay, off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Englewood remains one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Manasota Key, sparkling water, sandy shores, hidden seashells and a lot of sunshine.

Palm Island, seven miles of white sandy beach and crystal clear water. Placida, a secluded Gulf Coast community. Port Charlotte, the county’s geographical center. Punta Gorda. The City of Punta Gorda is a charming and historic waterfront town which traces its roots to a landing at Live Oak Point on the Peace River by Hernado DeSoto in 1539.