The Communities of Sarasota County, FL

Sarasota
The City of Sarasota is the hub of business, educational, and cultural activities for the county.   As the county seat, it leads the area in efforts aimed at providing an enviable lifestyle and progressive business environment for world-class companies who have chosen this vibrant community, full of talent and creativity as their corporate headquarters.  Home to many of the most respected arts and entertainment venues in the nation, quality educational institutions, and limitless recreational activities,  it provides a rich tapestry of opportunity for the young and young at heart. 


Venice
Developed originally by famed urban planner John Nolen in the 1920’s, Venice is a beautiful coastal community with plenty of green space and low-rise Mediterranean style buildings that capture the admiration of visitors, residents, and community planners throughout the nation.   Its many golf courses are some of the best in the U.S. and its white sand beaches provide miles of pleasure for visitors and residents alike.  Known as the shark tooth capital of the world, the beaches also provide a quality habitat for sea turtles and nesting birds, and make this unique Florida city a favorite for eco-tourism. Venice has a thriving Main Street and industrial parks suitable for a
variety of businesses.


North Port
Located just north of Charlotte County along the 1-75 corridor, North Port is the largest city in Sarasota County both in land mass and population.  Its median age is just under 38 and over 70% of its households are families.  As the 3rd fastest growing city in Florida, it offers a tremendous workforce resource for employers.   Quality schools, parks and recreation, and a progressive community spirit are the hallmark of this growing Sarasota County community.


Longboat Key
Longboat Key stretches eleven miles from Manatee County south into Sarasota County.  This shared barrier island lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.  It’s viewed as a private island paradise to its 8,000 permanent residents but offers a range of accommodations to suite every visitor’s taste from luxury resorts and condominiums to cozy beachfront cottages.


Lakewood Ranch
Situated at the northern edge of Sarasota County, Lakewood Ranch is an 8,500 acre master planned community offering a unique mix of residential and commercial properties.   Just east of I-75, it offers easy and convenient access to destinations north, south, east, and west throughout Florida.    As one of the largest green certified communities in the U.S., it earned the “Best Neighborhood” award by readers of Sarasota Magazine.  Lakewood Ranch’s corporate park is situated in Sarasota County, while most of the residential development is in neighboring Manatee County.


Siesta Key
Siesta Key offers eight miles of vibrant island living.  The barrier island is characterized by its small village of shops and restaurants designed to be pedestrian friendly.  With beautiful white sandy beaches it offers a casual Florida lifestyle enjoyed by its nearly 24,000 full and part time residents. Dr. Beaches ranked Siesta Key the #2 beach in the world!

Englewood
Englewood provides the "old Florida" experience to its visitors and residents. The Englewood - Cape Haze Peninsula rests on the waters of Lemon Bay and the Myakka River, which is part of the Charlotte Harbor Estuary System, and its barrier islands border the Gulf of Mexico. The area stretches from the boundaries of South Venice and North Port in South Sarasota County to the Myakka River in Charlotte County.