Discover Sarasota's Cultural and Environmental Treasures

Sarasota is a city located in Sarasota County on the southwestern coast of the U.S. state of Florida. It is known for its cultural and environmental assets, including the Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Ballet, and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The city is also home to the Sarasota Opera House and the Sarasota Film Festival.
Sarasota has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, finance, and tourism. The city is served by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and is located about 60 miles south of Tampa and 20 miles north of Fort Myers.
Sarasota was founded in 1885 by John Hamilton Gillespie, who named it after the area's abundant sarasa trees (Serenoa serrulata). The city has a rich history, including a period as a popular wintering spot for the Ringling Brothers circus family. Today, Sarasota is a vibrant community with a strong sense of cultural and environmental stewardship.