Throughout the year, an array of cultural amenities, dining and shopping, music venues, festivals, beautiful parks, and the allure of Sarasota Bay create an marvelous urban experience. A collection of new sophisticated, architecturally designed high-rise condominiums and hotels dot the skyline thanks to a recent urban development boom driven by demand from professionals as well as retirees.

Greater Main Street boasts downtown’s largest collection of specialty boutiques and markets as a bevy of award-winning chefs serve cuisines for every taste. From Main Street to Palm Avenue you can discover chic boutiques and art galleries, antiques, fine jewelry, pampering salons, and so much more. Downtown residents and visitors alike cherish their Saturday morning jaunt to the Farmers Market for the freshest of produce and local artist’s treasures. Neighboring districts contribute to stylish options including historic Burns Court, lively Palm Avenue, art-centered Towles Court, and the revitalized Rosemary District.

From local cafes and coffee houses to European cuisine and award-winning chefs, this walkable area offers something for everyone. For those seeking a waterfront view while dining, Marina Jack offers fine dining and casual bites, and a perfect perch to watch magnificent yachts and sailboats set sail for an evening cruise.

The Sarasota Bayfront is the epicenter of downtown Sarasota living. A peaceful walk along the waterfront is a magical journey. Sailboats moored in the bay provide the perfect backdrop for the meandering waterfront path sprinkled with inspired sculptures carefully placed to add the perfect artistic touch to the incredible sunsets.

Some of the best features of downtown living are the plethora of activities. Downtown is always bustling with festivals and events, a few of the most prominent are the: Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts, the Art Shows in Towles Court, Rosemary Rising Street Festival, Sarasota Chalk Festival and one of our favorites, the Sarasota Film Festival. Renowned for its arts and cultural offerings, Sarasota is reveared as the Cultural Capital of Southwest Florida, offering live performances in theater, music, ballet and the opera. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art showcases the largest collection of Baroque art and features several international art exhibits and events each year. The historic Asolo Repertory Theatre, originally constructed near Venice, Italy, was carefully dismantled and reconstructed on the museum grounds, and hosts a variety of live performances to packed audiences. With so many options to live, work and play, Downtown Sarasota is transforming city living into a multipurpose destination.

Downtown Sarasota has the perfect blend of the peaceful waterfront lifestyle filled with manatee, osprey, pelicans and heron just steps away from the arts, restaurants, and buzz of Main Street. The real estate market in Downtown is as hot as ever, so don’t miss this opportunity to grab your slice of Downtown paradise, and enjoy this wonderfully unique lifestyle.

Downtown Districts

Burns Square
South of Main Street, Burns Square offers an interesting mix of retail shops, restaurants, salons and galleries. Historically significant, this area was developed by Owen Burns in the 1920’s.
www.burnssquaresarasota.com

Historic District
Encompassing First Street, Orange Ave, State Street, Gulfstream Ave and North Pineapple Ave, the area was recognized on the National Historic Register as of April, 2009.

Main Street
Consisting of Main Street, 1st Street, State Street and, and their surrounding areas enjoy local artisans, galleries, dining, dancing, theatre, symphony, ballet, opera, and great parks.

Palm Avenue
One of Sarasota’s most vibrant areas,  palm lined streets outline this prestigious neighborhood filled with events, shopping, and so much more.
www.palmavenue.org

Rosemary District
One of Sarasota’s oldest districts, located east of the Tamiami Trail and north of Fruitville. This area offers a unique bohemian attitude filled with music, dining, and festivals.
www.therosemarydistrict.com

Towles Court
Located between Washington Blvd and Osprey Ave, Towles Court is known for its galleries and artisans. Home to the “Third Friday Night Walk,” explore galleries offering a wide assortment of art.  www.towlescourt.com

Siesta Key’s sand proves remarkably soft and brilliantly white, with a bevy of crushed white quartz highlighting the turquoise hues of the Gulf of Mexico. Accent the image with tropical foliage and incredible weather for the ideal image of a beach escape to a tropical paradise. 

It’s the perfect locale to take advantage of Florida’s year-round weather with everything from fishing and sightseeing charters to watersports equipment rentals. Known as the “cradle of the ocean,” Siesta Key is a subtropical estuary home to more than 1,400 native plants and animals. Mangroves and reefs are abundant and fishermen can delight in the myriad of snook, tarpon and sea trout. 

In the Siesta Key Village, you’ll find unique items from talented local artisans. A fine Saturday morning farmers market, pleasantly busy retail district in the village, and a smaller version at the Siesta South shopping area offer pleasant excursions. 

Living here is nothing short of laid back. Here is a place where bathing suits are an acceptable attire for any occasion. A variety of habitats speckle the island including grand, waterfront estates, condominiums and Key West-style cottages and bungalows all varying in bright colors and hues. The historic and upscale Sanderling Club showcases rich and diverse architecture, some of the best work from the famed Sarasota School of Architecture’s Paul Rudolph. The Sanderling Club has made it its mission to not only preserve the history of its architecture, but also its Florida ecology in order to give its residents a true replication of Old Florida living.

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The charm of this luxurious island comes from its scenic environment that offers the rare combination of breathtaking beaches and cultural activities. The sumptuous landscape, year-round tranquil sea breezes, breathtaking sunsets, and casual pace contribute to the appeal for residents and visitors who want to get away. A host of amenities, including 45 holes championship golf on two courses as well as tennis, spa and fine dining await guests at Sarasota’s only Four Diamond beachfront destination at the Resort at the Longboat Key Club. This luxurious destination also has a marina, making it the perfect stop for boaters who plan day-long excursions along the coastline. 

Longboat Key is home to several eateries, from fine dining to casual al fresco cafes, along with a host of entertainment and cultural activities just minutes away. The southern part of the island is close to St. Armands Circle, the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll exploring popular high-end boutiques, resort shops and outdoor cafes. Downtown Sarasota offers cultural and arts aficionados a blend of the world’s best performing arts, including the theater, orchestra, ballet and concerts, along with a host of museums and art galleries. At the northern end of Longboat Key into Manatee County, the historic Cortez Fishing Village is a popular spot. This is the one of the last remaining working fishing villages on Florida’s west coast.

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Two of these residential towers are located downtown on Sarasota Bay and a third overlooks the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, on Lido Key. Each of the Residences offer an array of spectacular views, from the historic downtown skyline to the city marina, intracoastal waterway, lush tropical nature preserves…. and, of course, the breathtaking sunsets for which the Southwest Coast is famous.

As always, you’ll recognize and appreciate the distinctive touches that say, “Only at the Ritz!” The Residences are defined by sophisticated style with luxurious finishes, sumptuous master retreats, grand entertaining salons and gourmet kitchens. The lavish floor plans, from 1,700 square feet to over 5,000 square feet, offer a choice of one to four bedrooms, including grand penthouse suites.  Each home has its own private terrace, with sweeping views. Everyday life has a bit of magic, complete with private elevators and the impeccable service for which The Ritz-Carlton is heralded.

Owner residents are afforded the same splendid advantages that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel guests are accustomed to world-wide. In fact, relates Joan Dickinson, agent with the on-site office of Michael Saunders & Company at The Ritz Carlton, “Many of our resident-owners are international travelers who have frequented The Ritz-Carlton Hotels throughout the world. To have the unique opportunity to live in beautiful Sarasota, and also own a luxurious condominium managed by The Ritz-Carlton, is an exceptional lifestyle.”

Each of the three Residences is managed by its own professional and distinct staff. Referred to as, “the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton,” they provide all the luxurious services to resident owners, as the hotels guests receive: a resident manager, concierge, valet, and security. As an added advantage to residency, resident-owners are identified as VIP’s at all Ritz-Carlton Hotels wherever they travel.

Exclusively occupying the tenth to the eighteenth floors above the downtown hotel, The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton offers 48 luxury condominiums with a separate private lobby exclusively for resident-owners. The Tower Residences at The Ritz-Carlton is physically attached to the hotel but is its own private building. The Tower enjoys distinctive amenities on the third level, including a private home theatre, two beautiful social and recreational rooms, a fully equipped fitness center and outdoor heated pool along with sauna and steam baths.

The Beach Residences on Lido Key, with eighty-eight spectacular residences, is located ten minutes from the downtown Residences and directly overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.  It is a comfortable stroll to the internationally renowned St. Armands Circle, a mecca for shopping and dining. The Beach Residences are adjacent to the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club, beautifully situated on 400 feet of Lido Key’s white sand beach. Residents have the option of Club membership, granting access to the Ritz Carlton Golf Club, an award-winning 18-hole golf course designed by legendary architect, Tom Fazio.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sarasota offer an exquisite lifestyle in a luxurious setting where the pampering never has to end. Delightfully, you never need to check out.

The only single family home community with a 24-hour manned security gate on the Key, some of the most spectacular waterfront residences on Florida’s Southwest coast are nestled within The Sanderling Club. Many of the estate-sized homes are built on unique two-acre lots positioned on wide lagoons brimming with wildlife and amazing Gulf of Mexico views. Some of the residences date back to the late 1940s, when Elbridge Boyd, who wanted to create a Gulf-side membership residential community, began developing the area.

Paul Rudolph, a former Dean of the Yale School of Architecture and one of the most innovative modernist architects produced by the Sarasota School of Architecture, was hired to design cabanas, a clubhouse and an observation tower. Rudolph used curving roof lines to remind the viewer of the gentle waves of the nearby gulf. He experimented with economical materials and came up with a method for bending plywood across the building space, opening up the club house to nature using broad expanses of glass. He painted the ceilings of the cabanas blue framed in white.

The main consideration at that time was to maintain a commitment to sustainable ecology with an aesthetic feeling, and that commitment has been continually upheld. Now, seventy years later, the park-like setting of the Club is still honored and maintained.

Siesta Key Realtor Mark McCann attests to the success of this community, commenting: “There are few places in Florida that have such rich tradition, architectural integrity, and an overall ambiance that welcomes flip flops, understated sophistication, and respect for the incredible beauty that nature provides daily.”

The Sanderling Club’s obligatory membership for community residents provides many benefits, including deeded gulf access and usage of the club’s cabanas, which literally sit on the front-porch of the Gulf. The cabanas may be purchased by members, some staying in families for generations. Both the cabanas and the clubhouse have been fully restored and are now on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Sanderling Club offers a quiet, private and elegant existence, not often found on this high-spirited Key. Its affable members enjoy an informal lifestyle that includes a 15 slip marina located bayside, three tennis courts, and a myriad of recreational opportunities. Realtor Ellen Wells acknowledges the special sense of community here, with an active social calendar that includes potluck suppers, welcome-back parties and holiday events throughout the year at the beach-side clubhouse. In the late afternoon, people will gather at their cabanas or on the terrace of the beach house, set up their lounge chairs, cook out on the grills, sip cocktails and watch the sunset.

Men’s and women’s tennis groups play regularly throughout the week. The members’ popular annual tennis tournament, the Pinny Cup, named after a former resident, is held in November. “Three generations of families plan their vacations around it, so you have 10-year-olds playing with 90-year-olds,” Wells says. Presently, the resident population is getting younger; recent buyers have been in their 40s and 50s.

If you are seeking an inspired way to live a coastal lifestyle, The Sanderling Club is
a unique place… where membership truly has its advantages!

HISTORY

Anna Maria Island was discovered by the local Timucan and Caloosan Native American tribes and, later, by Spanish explorers (including Hernando de Soto) in the name of the Spanish Crown. Hernando de Soto and his crew entered the mouth of Tampa Bay, north of Anna Maria Island, in May 1539, passing the island by to make their landfall on the mainland.

Anna Maria Island was first settled in the beginning of the twentieth century by Tampa Mayor Madison Post who then named the island for his wife Maria and his sister-in-law Anna. As Cuban fishermen were the first visitors to the island at the southern mouth of Tampa Bay, the settlement was very soon dominated by nautical types. In 1892, George Emerson Bean became the first permanent resident on the Island, homesteading much of what is now the City of Anna Maria. After Bean’s death in 1898, the land’s ownership transferred to his son, George Wilhelm Bean, who partnered with Charles Roser, a wealthy real estate developer from St. Petersburg, to form the Anna Maria Beach Company in order to develop the area. The company laid out streets, built sidewalks and houses, and installed a water system.

Residents and visitors came by boat until the first bridge that was built to connect Anna Maria Island to mainland Florida began construction in the summer of 1921. After a heavy storm wiped out half the bridge, it was finished as scheduled in 1922. It crossed the bay to what now is Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach to the fishing town of Cortez. More people then began to visit the island, which caught the interest of several businessmen. Yet, somehow, communities here had more success than most in Florida in keeping out big developers. 

Nearly a century later, Anna Maria Island has become one of the most popular locations in Florida, visited by both locals and tourists. Its wildlife and nature has attracted many scholars of different sciences such as biology, and marine biology.

Fortunately, there’s little use for a car on the island and it’s more viable to use a bike, kayak, or flip-flops around the island. For your convenience, there’s even a free trolley, which circles every 20 minutes, shuffling up and down main Gulf Drive. Here, you’ll find the most beautiful beaches in the world; from Holmes Beach, stocked with restrooms, picnic tables and even a café on the sand, to Coquina Beach, where you’ll find plenty of shaded parking. 

Not far from the skyscrapers of Tampa, Anna Maria’s removal from hubbub makes it a quaint town both easy to reach yet unspoiled by the concrete and chain restaurants. Instead, what Anna Maria has to offer is an abundance of natural beauty and an array of colorful shops and local restaurants lined with swaying palms. It’s as if you’ve stepped back in time, into the Florida of decades ago, with one major difference: updated amenities. No malls to visit here, instead you’ll find a dozen delightful shops dotted across the island. Indeed, the dining is as tempting as the fishing that lures so many visitors. Options range from a classic grouper sandwich on the pier to world-class, upscale dishes using only the freshest catch. 

The waters surrounding Anna Maria are host to an assortment of wildlife waiting to be discovered, from wild dolphins to sharp-eyed ospreys. Here, you can experience one of the most abundant ecosystems on the planet. You’ll be amazed at just how much there is to see on this little island.

WHERE TO EAT

Serving exciting, sophisticated and exquisitely prepared Floridan Cuisine, Beach Bistro is an ideal spot to enjoy fresh fare, especially at sunset. Beachbistro.com

WHAT TO DO

To capture a quiet moment, head to Bean Point, a local secret that provides breathtaking views of the sunset on a pristine and serene beach. 

PLACES TO STAY

Tucked away on Anna Maria Island, Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages features a private escape amidst lush, tropical gardens and white sandy beaches. cedarcoveresort.com

Milwaukee business magnate John Schroeder originally purchased the 8,500-acres that comprise Lakewood Ranch in the early 1900’s. Two decades later, the Uihlein family, founders of the Schlitz Brewing Company, acquired the property and continued to expand the agricultural operations still active today: cattle ranching, vegetable, citrus, timber, and turf farming as well as shell mining. In 1994, development of Lakewood Ranch began, and since 2005 every village built has used products and techniques that result in more energy efficient and environmentally responsible homes. Today, Lakewood Ranch is the largest green master planned community in the United States, a tribute to its founders to be good stewards of the land.

The epicenter of Lakewood Ranch is The Country Club, an impressive members only golf and country club, surrounded by an exquisite collection of neighborhoods, connected by miles of sidewalks and trails. Each of the seven different neighborhoods offers a variety of floor plans and price ranges to elegantly suit any lifestyle. Prices start as low as the 200’s for well-appointed townhomes to luxurious custom homes valued well over $1 million dollars, complete with sweeping golf course views.

The private Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club offers three courses that challenge at every level of play. Royal Lakes and Cypress Links were masterfully crafted by the Palmer Course Design Company with golfers of differing abilities in mind. The third architectural masterpiece, King’s Dunes, is the creation of Rick Robbins, an outstanding golf course designer who ensured a challenging 18-hole play for the seasoned golfer. As a member, you have the privilege to play all 54 holes. Complementary golf support facilities, such as a driving range, a putting green, a practice area for chipping, golf pro shop, spacious locker rooms, and golf cart storage are also included.

In addition to these upscale amenities, the clubhouse, occupying 44,000 square feet of floor space, is equipped with a sophisticated lounge, a grille, an elegant dining room for formal social functions, and numerous private dining rooms for club members and guests. The Athletic Center’s fitness center not only offers state-of-the-art equipment, but a junior-size Olympic swimming pool, 18-lighted tennis courts, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and court-side deli. Alternatively, for members who wish to experience laid-back country club living, a number of lounges as well as card rooms are at their disposal.

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club successfully combines the best of modern conveniences and world-class amenities with a feeling of community rarely seen today. The result is an impressive country club lifestyle with family and friends enjoying recreational activities in a casual, elegant Floridian paradise.

Nearby Attractions

Music on Main Street
It might be swing, it might be country, or it might just be a little bit of rock and roll. But it’s always free and its always the first Friday of every month on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch
Since 1991, the Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch has been providing exhilarating polo matches every Sunday during winter season. With 130 acres of perfectly manicured grounds, the Sarasota Polo Club boasts nine world-class polo fields and a regulation size arena.

Saturday Farmers Market
Buy local and shop with area farmers every Saturday from 8am to 1pm on Main Street November through May.

Surrounded by the Gulf’s azure waters, Bird Key’s distinguishing charms continue to solidify it as one of the most coveted addresses in the area. The richness of Bird Key extends beyond its property value; it offers private, deep water boat docks with direct access to the bay, luxury estates and seaside residences nestled on the island’s edge, and spectacular views of the Ringling Bridge, Sarasota Bay, the marina, and the city’s coastal skyline.

The epicenter of the impressive enclave is the Bird Key Yacht Club, an establishment reserved for members and their guests with boating, golf, tennis and fitness programs to enjoy. Though Sarasota boasts several premier neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive charms, very few possess the splendor of Bird Key. The residential island is a prime location for real estate, boasting consistent value over the years. With a harmonious blend of young professionals and retirees living on Bird Key, it remains vibrant yet tranquil—a true, centralized paradise.

Though Bird Key is an idyllic world all its own, access to Sarasota’s thriving arts, culture and entertainment district is an added benefit. With St. Armand’s Circle and downtown Sarasota just a short drive away, Bird Key is as convenient as it is lavish. Waterside dining, electric live shows, boutique shopping and the art walk are located just minutes away. Sarasota Opera, Florida Studio Theatre, the Van Wezel, quaint coffee shops, Burns Court Cinemas, and the weekly Farmer’s Market on Main Street add to the appeal of the area. Restaurants that use locally grown ingredients are a testament to the community nature and quality of life. Downtown’s main corridor presents a European flair, quaint art galleries and open-air cafes that are classic, warm and friendly.

While the advantages of living on Bird Key are abundant, its two greatest assets are location and exclusivity. Noted as The Jewel on Sarasota Bay, Bird Key’s scenic surroundings, fine offerings and romantic views help the elegant island live up to its name.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

St. Armand’s Circle

The outdoor shopping and dining sphere is a central location for retail boutiques, specialty shops and open-air dining.
starmandscircleassoc.com 

Lido Beach

This quiet beach captures the beauty of Sarasota with miles of white sand, crystal waters and heavenly sunsets. Enjoy water sports, a food pavilion, or simple leisure by the gulf.

 Mote Marine Aquarium

This marine laboratory features more than 100 species of marine life, touch pools, 135,000-gallon shark habitat, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits.        mote.org

Winding down the pathway toward The Oaks Club, magnificent ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss seem to wrap their arms around you. In the distance a stately Antebellum mansion with soaring white columns beckons. Once inside the clubhouse, an intoxicating atmosphere of Southern hospitality welcomes you. A graceful double staircase, beautiful flowers, warm rich woods and elegant fabrics are the final indication that you have arrived in Paradise!

The essence of luxury and comfort is the aura created by this wonderful community living “under the Oaks.” Celebrated for its sense of community and social calendar, this premier golf and country club is located in Osprey, just a blink from downtown Sarasota and beaches that are ranked among the world’s finest.

Enveloped in a lush thousand-acre tropical landscape, The Oaks Club is a private membership-required community created expressly for the very discerning. The Oaks Club offers lifestyle opportunities for all ages within three gated neighborhoods including waterfront estates, high-rise luxury condominiums, sophisticated town homes, golf course homes and maintenance-free villas.

“Life under The Oaks Club,” as described by Susan Greene, Director of Membership and Marketing, “is the result of a community of couples, families and individuals who are looking for camaraderie, security and a strong neighborhood spirit. Here they find a wonderful place to make friends and enjoy the lifestyle they have earned.” Families with children are often attracted to The Oaks Club by the exceptional educational opportunities nearby, headlined by the distinguished Pine View School for the intellectually gifted and the renowned Ringling College of Art and Design.

Susan continues, “Living at The Oaks Club is like being on a cruise ship – so many activities to choose from every day.” Among those activities are two 18-hole championship golf courses with an elite staff and first-rate pro shop, 12 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts staffed by USPTA-certified professionals and an active croquet court.

No need is missed! Outstanding dining choices include three distinct dining rooms with three different menus (72 menu items in all). Options for dining include the Tavern with its “steakhouse feel,” the Grill, a casual spot to meet after the game and the Glen Room, the most formal dining room with traditional menu items such as dover sole, rack of lamb, and tenderloin. At The Oaks, even your golf clubs get VIP treatment – they are loaded and ready at your tee time and then cleaned and stored for you after your game.

This slice of Paradise has a remarkable cultural history; it was discovered and purchased after the turn of the century by Bertha Honore Palmer, a Chicago socialite, business woman, philanthropist and champion of women’s issues. She built a residence and wintered on an area of The Oaks Club property now known as Oaks Bayside. Her original gazebo and reflecting pond remain there, providing a unique centerpiece for the community.

The imprint of Mrs. Palmer’s attention to furthering women can still be felt within The Oaks Club community, where the Women’s Club membership is three hundred and seventy-five. Many of the tournaments held in this community are female-centered: the USTA Women’s $50,000 Pro Circuit Tournament, and the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier.

As to what’s around this well-situated neighborhood – well, there’s a lot! The Sarasota beaches must be mentioned. Famous for their white sand, Nokomis and Casey Key beaches are visitor friendly and beautiful beyond description. Dr. Beach named Siesta Key, “America’s Most Beautiful Beach,” in 2011. A Sunday sunset on Siesta Key listening to the drum circle as the sun disappears is a not-to-be-missed experience.

Nature lovers will also enjoy the abundance of hiking, canoeing and kayaking at nearby Oscar Scherer and Myakka State Parks. History buffs, as well as their families, will not want to miss Osprey’s historic Spanish Point and baseball fans will find an exciting spring season with the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. When shopping therapy is required, you can check-in at Southgate Mall where occupants include Saks Fifth Avenue and Williams Sonoma or cruise over to the specialty shops on St. Armand’s Circle.

Sarasota’s largest master-planned community, Palmer Ranch consists of 10,000 acres of beautifully developed land. The community presents residents with a wide range of lifestyle choices, from maintenance-free villas and condominiums to beautiful single family homes. All located just minutes from the county’s renowned beaches, cultural, business and civic centers.

The Palmer Ranch area was original purchased in 1910 by the late Bertha Honore Palmer, a wealthy socialite businesswoman from Chicago.  Mrs. Palmer was one of Sarasota’s most influential founders. She invited many of her Chicago friends to visit her in her newly found paradise including John Ringling. A great supporter of the Arts, Bertha and her friends are largely responsible for the thriving arts community we enjoy today. They of course needed entertainment during their winter holidays so, they founded many of the arts organizations we still enjoy today. 

Palmer Ranch real estate includes three golf country clubs, the TPC Prestancia and the Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, and on the very edge of Palmer Ranch is The Oaks Club, the original location of Bertha Palmer’s home.  These fine golf course communities are gated neighborhoods and have a variety of homes from large estate homes to maintenance free villas to condos.  All of the neighborhoods are gated communities in Palmer Ranch with the exception of Stonebridge and The Isles on Palmer Ranch.  

The Legacy Bike Trail is a 12 mile section of old railroad track that has been taken up and paved to make a 12 foot wide bike path.  This paved bike path runs from McIntosh Road through Palmer Ranch just west of the neighborhood of Turtle Rock and continues south into Venice, FL.  Residents and visitors to Sarasota enjoy walking, rollerblading, and biking on this safe and easy to use bike trail.  Along with being a great area with many amenities the Palmer Ranch neighborhoods are about a 15-20 minute drive to the world famous Siesta Key Beach. 

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