Walk above the trees at the Myakka Canopy. Photo courtesy of 511enews.com.
Beyond the crystalline waters, world-class beaches and swaying palm trees lies a rarely discovered world involving historical significance, cultural importance and natural exploration. It is among these unique charms that one truly discovers what our area is all about, and why those of us who live here are fortunate to call this slice of paradise home.
Here are the top 10 fun facts and places off the beaten path here in the Sarasota area:
1. Burns Court – Nestled away in downtown Sarasota, in the middle of historic Burns Square, is a small raspberry-colored theater that many people consider a landmark of the surrounding area. After opening its doors in 1993, Burns Court Cinemas has continually proven to be the best place around to find first-run, hand-picked foreign language, independent, and art films. Fun fact: Money Magazine has called Sarasota the best small city in the U.S., and has named Burns Court one of the best places to live in Sarasota. Click HERE to see what’s playing today.
2. Myakka Canopy – One of only about a dozen worldwide where you can walk along the treetops, the Myakka Canopy Walkway puts you 25 feet above the ground and extends 85 feet through the tree tops above the Myakka floor. Fun fact: Completed in June of 2000, it is the only one in the world in a subtropical forest. Click HERE for more information.
3. Paul Rudolph Houses - Take a rare look into one of Florida’s most influential architects and view the early residential works of Paul Rudolph, which were widely published at the time of conception and played a significant role in the culture of mid-twentieth century American design. Fun fact: Rudolph’s Sarasota time is now part of the period labeled Sarasota Modern in his career. Learn where to find them HERE. (more…)
Our area beaches are among the finest in the world. Take a look at one of our live web cam feeds to see what you're missing.
The first thoughts of spending time in the Sarasota area often center around lazing on some of the world’s most renowned beaches enjoying the fresh sea breezes and soaking in the warm sunshine.
While you may be miles away from our sun-kissed shores, you can rest assured they maintain the pristine natural beauty that made our area a preferred destination for beach-lovers around the world. In fact, the renowned Stephen Leatherman—also known as Dr. Beach—most recently named our Siesta Key Beach in the no. 2 spot for America’s Best Beach in his annual survey.
Sarasota County’s beaches remain as gorgeous as ever, and our waters are open and inviting for a range of recreational activities and the world-class fishing that makes our area a special treasure for anglers.
We invite you to see for yourself by viewing some of the live feeds showing real-time action of beachgoers enjoying the pristine waters and sugary white sands of our area beaches.
Take a live virtual trip to Siesta Key, Dr. Beach’s number 2 ranked beach in the country HERE.
HERE’s a live look from the BeachHouse Restaurant on Bradenton Beach.
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on July 29, 2010
Based on the most recent recap of residential property sales throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties, the total number of homes on the market throughout the tri-county region declined by 6.1% year-over-year in June. The combined number of homes sold was up by 19%, while combined pendings declined marginally, by 1.7%. Results by county are shown on the individual charts.
(Source:Trendgraphix; June 2010)
More than just gorgeous, world-class beaches, the Sarasota area boasts a range of exceptional dining options.
With choices ranging from innovative fine dining establishments to quaint waterfront hideaways bursting with Old Florida charm and everything in between, Sarasota is truly food-lover’s destination set to find its way onto America’s culinary map. Our vibrant city adores unique dining concepts and treasures its tried and true mainstays that have provided delectable food and fun for generations of visitors and residents. No matter what the craving, you can guarantee there is a menu to be found in the Sarasota area that does it and does it well.
As longtime area residents and people about town, our agents and branch managers have sought, savored and selected the preferred dining spots they enjoy sharing with guests, clients and family alike. So here—in no particular order—is the first sampling of a multi-part series highlighting some of our favorite Sarasota-area restaurants:
• The Casey Key Fish House – Laidback and relaxed, the Casey Key Fish House offers casual waterfront dining with an “Old Florida” feel in mind. A favorite spot of Longboat Key South agent Deborah Beacham, the restaurant is located just over the north bridge at Blackburn Point to Casey Key. Here you will find fresh seafood served daily from 11:30 am to 9 pm. Owner Jimmy Von Hubertz and Master Chef Willie Tia present terrific food served with warm hospitality. There are daily lunch specials—Deborah’s favorite lunch is the Caesar salad with grilled mahi—and customers rave about the ahi tuna, Bouillabaisse and almond snapper dishes available on the more extensive dinner menu. There is an outdoor section where dogs are allowed (well mannered, of course), so Deborah’s poodle is always welcome! Boat docking available. Learn more HERE.
• Madfish Grill – With a dinner menu offering a selection of Caribbean-inspired cuisine from starters and tapas to seafood to salads and sandwiches, Madfish Grill is a favorite of Siesta Key Branch Manager Debbie Judge. Located at 4059 Cattlemen Road in Sarasota, this locally owned spot serves great cuisine lending itself to the islands and a selection of great steaks. Plus, the bar area is a great place for a lively evening. Fun fact: the restaurant was a bank at one time and the private room is the old vault! Learn more HERE. (more…)
Discover a number of gorgeous homes in Stoneybrook at Venice. Pictured: 11355 Dancing River Dr.
A Lennar community that opened in 2004, Stoneybrook at Venice is one of the newest family-oriented neighborhoods in Sarasota County. A master-planned, gated community, Stoneybrook at Venice is nestled within 640 acres with 55 percent of the area being preserve and lakes, with an array of amenities for everyone to enjoy. There are a variety of home floor plans available for retirees to growing families. Located off Center Road or River Road in Venice, it is minutes from I-75, shopping, medical facilities, schools, golf courses, downtown Venice, and, of course, our fabulous beaches.
Market Activity – Stoneybrook at Venice
Stoneybrook at Venice is enjoying robust activity in this challenging real estate market with 620 homes currently built out of an estimated 900 total. Lennar posted six new home sales in the first three weeks of June and are in the process of beginning their next phase of new construction homes. There were nine closed re-sales in the last 30+ days, and there are 12 pending re-sales. Homes prices range from the mid $100s to $300s for new and re-sale homes with square footage ranging from 1,300 to 3,000+.
Agent Kudos – Stoneybrook at Venice
Michael Saunders & Company agents have worked together to list and sell homes in Stoneybrook at Venice with a recent collaborative by Theresa Brown, listing agent from the Venice office, and selling agent Jody Skapyak of the Palmer Ranch office. The home was a lovely three-bedroom, two-bath with den, and was sited with a preserve in the back and green space on one side offering privacy and a lush setting. This home went under contract in less than 30 days and sold for an affordable $162,000. (more…)
Enjoy an exceptional lifestyle among perfectly manicured fairways and greens. Photo courtesy of golfcoursehome.net.
Nothing compares to the Heron Creek Country Club lifestyle. With 27 holes of Arthur Hills designed championship golf, elegant clubhouse, beautiful homes, and wondrous views, Heron Creek Country Club has the best of everything.
Exceptional Location and Amenities – Heron Creek
Located in southern Sarasota County in the city of North Port, this gated community is surrounded by natural tranquility. Heron Creek strives to preserve and enhance the natural habitat for the enjoyment of its residents, which is evident in its endless natural beauty. Imagine a community so environmentally sensitive, the surrounding wildlife habitat has not only been preserved, it has been improved. More than 430 acres of the 676-acre community have been set aside as the golf course or as permanent, environmentally protected nature preserves, creating lakes and green space for residents and providing natural habitat to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. The neighborhood homes and the Arthur Hills golf course wind lazily through the native landscape, bordered by natural buffers, stands of native trees, and sparkling lakes, all of which serve as quiet retreats for the native wildlife. (more…)
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on June 29, 2010
May’s year-over-year home sales were up by nearly 20 percentage points in Sarasota County and by almost 35 percentage points in Manatee County; as inventories of available homes dropped by 13.9 and 9.6% respectively. Pending sales were basically flat in Sarasota County, rising by only .4%; but were up 16.3% in Manatee County.
In Charlotte County year-over-year sales for May were up 2.3%, pending sales were up 5.3%; and the inventory of available properties declined by 4.4%.
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on June 16, 2010
North Port is one of the largest cities by geographic area in Sarasota County. It is conveniently located next to Venice and Port Charlotte, offering many of Florida’s amenities with a small town familiarity. Toledo Blade and Sumter Blvd. act as gateways into this well-priced primary and second home mecca.
North Port has experienced explosive growth in recent years, making it a natural destination for young families as well as those seeking a second home in a warmer climate.
Heron Creek in North Port offers remarkable home choices around a beautiful golf course.
The city of North Port—Florida’s fourth fastest growing city and fourth largest in land area—is strategically located midway between Tampa and Naples. This thriving young community was founded in 1959 and has the amenities and assets that make it an attractive location for new businesses, industrial projects, office development and quality city living. Over the past ten years, North Port has experienced a steady increase in population, and in July of 2008 became the largest city in Sarasota County. Additionally, impact fees, utility and land cost in North Port are among the lowest in southwest Florida.
Sales Activity – North Port
Properties throughout North Port are selling faster than they are coming onto the market, indicating a shift in inventory that has been long needed. Within the past 30 days, there have been 11 closed deals in North Port, and only four newly listed properties. (more…)
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on May 21, 2010
Our market’s recovery continued moving forward in April. Inventories of available properties continued to decline throughout Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties; while sales were up by more than 27% in Manatee County, 19% in Sarasota County and 17% in Charlotte County. Pending sales, a strong harbinger of closed sales to come in the next 30 to 60 days, were also up significantly. Pendings were up 52% in Manatee County, 27% in Sarasota County and nearly 10% in Charlotte County.
