Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice

A Compelling Market

With more than 700,000 people, this sparkling slice of Gulf Coast is Florida’s fifth largest market. Stretching south from Tampa Bay through Sarasota and Manatee counties, it continues to lure people with its outstanding quality of life.

From the powdery sands of Siesta Beach – recently named best beach in America – to its many music, movie, theater and arts venues, dozens of golf courses and hundreds of fine restaurants – even a polo pitch – Sarasota is irresistible.

Among Florida’s 10 largest markets, it has the highest per capita income. It is the nation’s oldest major metro market, but is adding schoolchildren faster than retirees, and is gaining a reputation for excellence in higher education as well.

It is home to Ringling School of Art & Design, the premiere design school in the Southeast, and New College, the innovative state honors college, rated year after year as one of the best values in American education.

The Herald-Tribune Media Group chronicles this diverse and dynamic world every day, helping local people and local businesses build a prosperous future.