1885
"Of course there was much discontent, being dumped, like this, in a wild country, without houses to live in…" - Alex Browning.

After an arduous voyage to what they thought was a thriving community, the Scots colonists arrived at Sarasota Bay near where Marina Jack is now. Sarasota offered only a harsh frontier, and after a few months of

Harry Higel

hardship and heartbreak, the group disbanded. Today near their landing site are a beautiful walkway, public art, two restaurants, and a park with plaques marking their journey.

1886
"Man, y'er missing half y'er life." - John Hamilton Gillespie to a non-golfer.

Gillespie came to revive the Scots colony, built the DeSoto Hotel and introduced golf to Sarasota and Florida. In 1905 he laid out a nine-hole course east of town, beginning at Links Ave. Links is now the gateway to Towles Court with quaint shops, artists' studios and a café in a historic setting that makes for a carefree half day.

1907
"Living on a tropical

Owen Burns

island… where one can enjoy life the year around." - Harry Higel.

Higel helped plat the north end of Siesta Key and advertised, "An Ideal Spot for Winter and Summer Homes." Enjoy the relaxing lifestyle on this island utopia with its restaurants, shops and hallmark Siesta Village.


1910
"Sarasota Bay is more beautiful than the Bay of Naples." - Bertha Palmer.

Mrs. Bertha Palmer, a Chicago socialite, arrived in what was a frontier town with little to recommend it. Her pronouncement about Sarasota Bay cast the international spotlight on the area. Mrs. Palmer invested heavily and built her winter retreat, The Oaks at Osprey. For a glimpse

Ca d'Zan

at life at the turn of the last century, visit Historic Spanish Point, the site of the doyenne's former home, with its pioneer homestead, gardens and nature trails.


1910
Owen Burns helped push the community towards its resort town future. He built a number of important buildings, including: Cà d'Zan, Burns Court, Herald Square and the El Vernona Hotel. Adjacent to Burns Court Cinema, the Burns Court area has the atmosphere of a 1920s movie set, with elegant and funky shops and restaurants.


1912
"For though life is short, art is long." - John Ringling.

Ringling moved to Sarasota to relax from the ardors of

The Ringling family

the circus and became a major developer. His art museum, art school and bay front mansion imbued Sarasota with the culture for which the area is famous. For a glimpse at Ringling's Gatsby-like lifestyle visit his mansion, Ca'd'Zan, on the grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

1922
Andrew McAnsh built the Mira Mar Apartments, Hotel and Auditorium. These were Sarasota's first boom-time buildings, giving the community accommodations for the wealthy snowbirds it was trying to attract. The hotel was demolished, but the apartments on South Palm Avenue house art galleries, gift shops and a popular Italian restaurant.

1926
John Nolen, one of America's premier city planners, was hired by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers to transform Venice into one of the most beautiful communities in the nation.

1938
The Municipal Auditorium opened in grand style in time for the Sara de Sota pageant. Mayor E.A. Smith called the auditorium and surrounding Bayfront Park a dream come true, a boon to tourism. Still in use today, the auditorium hosts numerous events the year 'round.


1951
The Greatest Show on Earth was filmed in Sarasota, underscoring the town's reputation as The Circus City. Premiering at the Florida Theatre, it won an Oscar for Best Picture. Today, the Florida Theatre is the Sarasota Opera House, one of the area's cultural cornerstones.