Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Sarasota was originally settled by Native Americans ³. The Spanish discovered the area in 1513 when they landed at Charlotte Harbor. The area was known as “Zare Zote” on Spanish maps, but newcomers began calling it “Sara Sota”. William Whitaker was the first permanent resident of the City of Sarasota, he sold fish and raised cattle. He married and came to have 11 kids - the descendants still live in Florida to this day. Sarasota became incorporated in the early 1900’s.
Owen Burns was a major developer for Sarasota ³. He built many bridges and buildings; however, he went broke in the 1920’s. He married Mrs. Potter Palmer, and she rebuilt their finances - once he died, she doubled their fortunes. Their land is now known today as Myakka River State Park.
Today, Sarasota is a sought-after area, ranking within the top 10 places to live (#1 in Florida!) ¹. It has exceptional public schools that are ranked some of the highest in the United States ². With a recent wage increase and low unemployment, Sarasota has also proven to be a great place to work. With relatively low crime rates and access to gorgeous beaches, Sarasota remains a wonderful place to both live and vacation.
FUN FACT
The Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Brothers Circus was founded and operated in Sarasota, Florida for 146 years until 2017. ⁴
The City of Sarasota. (2022, May 27). Sarasota named a top place to live in U.S. The City of Sarasota. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.sarasotafl.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2818/#:~:text=1%20in%20Florida&text=Sarasota%2C%20FL%3A%20Sarasota%20has%20been,The%20Sarasota%20area%20is%20No.
Extra Space Storage. (2023, January 4). Moving to Sarasota? Here are 14 things to know. Extra Space Storage. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.extraspace.com/blog/moving/city-guides/things-to-know-about-living-in-sarasota/#:~:text=With%20reasonably%2Dpriced%20real%20estate,something%20to%20enjoy%20for%20everyone!
Miller, M. (2022, March 17). History of Sarasota, Florida. Florida Back Roads Travel. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/history-of-sarasota-florida.html
Morga, A. (2022, May 19). The history of CT's P.T. Barnum and the Ringling Brothers Circus. CT Insider. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.ctinsider.com/living/article/Ringling-brothers-circus-pt-barnum-ct-17182072.php#:~:text=Ringling%20Bros.,will%20not%20include%20circus%20animals.
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