No one is quite certain what the word Sarasota means or where it came from, however, there have been many different stories in regards to its origin. One story claims that the word comes from a Spanish term, sarao sota, which means a place of dancing, another story sites it as a Calusa Indian word that means point of rocks, while another claims it to be named in the honor of the daughter of Hernando de Sotas, Sara. Sarasota was once a part of Hillsborough County and than later a part of Manatee County, the town then became part of Sarasota County in 1921, when Manatee County split into three different counties, at that time the city of Sarasota was name the County Seat. During 1885, the country of Scotland got wind of the bustling city life and flourishing crops on the outskirts of this wondrous city, and many families took sail to the shores of Florida in search for a better life. Upon arrival, many were discouraged to find that the visions that they had for their new life was clouded, and all that bustled in the city of Sarasota was a main street, due to this disheartening arrival many of these families left. John Hamilton Gillespie, an aristocrat, lawyer and Queens?s bodyguard, stayed in the area and built, what many believe to be the first, golf course in Sarasota. Gillespie continued to seek ways to turn the city of Sarasota into the bustling community that he believed that it could become, and by building the DeSota Hotel on Main Street, he brought tourists and many other prospective buyers to the area. In 1902, Gillespie was elected the mayor of the town. The circus came to town in 1920 when John Ringling, of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and his wife Mable built their estate on Sarasota Bay. It was the use of Johns circus elephants that helped build the bridge from St. Armands Key to the mainland. Sarasota, Florida became known as the Circus Capitol of the World and is now the home to a multitude of different circus, including Ringlings Clown College.

Sarasota, Florida was once considered to be mainly a hot spot for our winter friends, however due to the incredible year-round temperatures, pristine beaches and abundance of recreational activities, according to the 2000 Census over 300,000 people call Sarasota home. Thirty five miles of beaches and six barrier islands provides Sarasota with an opportunity to give residents days full of snorkeling, boating, fishing, swimming and gazing as some of the most beautiful sunsets off the Gulf of Mexico. Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the oldest zoological gardens in the United States, providing 10 acres of tropical gardens, exotic birds and reptiles and mammals peeking out at you through the jungle trails. Many museums, theatres, restaurants, shops and clubs line the streets of downtown. The cultural scene in the vibrant city ensures entertainment for those of all ages.

Real estate opportunities range from some of the oldest to some of the newest homes in the area. From gated bay front luxury homes, apartments, single family homes, to small cottages, wherever your tastes lie, there is a home for you in Sarasota!