It was officially incorporated as a town in 1902 and began to grow significantly after a railroad was constructed over the Manatee River, and the Ringling family of circus fame moved to the area, establishing its winter headquarters there, and earning the town the nickname, 'Circus City.' The Ringling family invested heavily not only in Sarasota but also in nearby islands as well, thereby increasing the growth of the area as a whole. After Florida became part of the United States, pioneer families began to come to the area, and it continued to grow. From that time until Florida became a part of the United States, the area that is now Sarasota was largely occupied by the Spanish who established many settlements in the area.
It first appeared, in fact, as the word, “Zara Zota' on a sheepskin Spanish map in the mid-1700s. Sarasota is a city with a long and interesting history. Even better, it has a warm and welcoming LGBTQ community too! It is a friendly coastal town with a warm and welcoming vibe and something for everyone to enjoy.
If you're hoping to make a move to a coastal town with a thriving arts scene, beautiful beaches, friendly people, and much to see and do, beautiful Sarasota might be an excellent choice for you! In addition to its stunning scenic beauty, Sarasota is an important center for business, agriculture, and tourism.
