Enjoy The Water - Sarasota Beach Homes



by Slade Tanner


Sarasota beach homes are located on the west coast between Fort Myers and Tampa Bay. The area itself beckons water lovers to live in this quaint coastal town. With a long history that is celebrated, a sense of community is created.

Before recorded history the native inhabitants lived and prospered in this area. As the centuries passed, this area was populated by the Spanish and the Cubans. It wasn't until the territory became the property of the United States that the European population began to settle in this area.

The middle 1800s brought land developers to the area. Mr. J. Gillespie, known as the founding father and first mayor, started building the town. As a Scotsman, he built a nine-hole golf course, one of the first in the U. S., to this coastal town. The Wilson's started the first newspaper, and Owen Burns, was instrumental in building infrastructure and landmarks.

Bucking the traditional female role, Bertha Palmer became the largest owner of land in the area. She developed large scale farming and grew it into a profitable business. She was also a bank owner and brought winter vacationers to the town. Though originally they came to the coastal town as vacationers, the Ringling Brothers, of circus fame, also invested in the coastal hamlet and eventually moved the circus to here for the winter months.

Since 1949 a gymnastics program for the local high school has participated in the Sailor Circus program. Children in the fourth to twelfth grades get to train with former circus performers and then perform for the community. Children in grades one through eight can participate in a week long summer program dedicated to learning circus acts.

The beach is celebrated with the Amateur Sand Sculpture contest. Children and adults can participate in this spring event. The fall brings in the masters who, over four days, create the most amazing sculptures out of sand. This autumnal event carries a nice cash prize for the winner.

For over the last decade the annual film festival has grown in size and recognition. Now an eleven-day event, this festival celebrates independent films with as much gala as any other. Dinners, parties, and awards are all here for patrons to enjoy.

This wonderful community offers a wide range of real estate that most anyone can afford. Search the internet for Sarasota beach homes to find a Realtor in the area. While you are searching read about this wonderful area's history and community.




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