Sarasota

City and administrative headquarters of Sarasota County, southwest Florida, USA, on the Gulf of Mexico, south of Tampa; population (2000) 52,700. Sarasota is a flourishing winter resort known for its water sports, gardens, and golf courses, a spring training baseball centre, and an entertainment hub with several performing arts facilities. The city is also a processing and shipping centre for local citrus fruits, vegetables (notably celery), and beef. Its industries include boatbuilding, electronics research and development, and the production of mobile homes. Sarasota is the home of New College of the University of South Florida (1960).

Saratoga was settled by Scots in 1885. From the late 1920s to 1960 it was winter headquarters for the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. John Ringling's massive investments in the city were instrumental in its growth. The Ringling Museum houses a noted art collection among its displays.