Oneof the "Jewels" of Florida is Sarasota,

With it'swhite sandy beaches and friendly citizens it leaves little to bedesired.

Boasting apopulation of nearly 60,000, the actual population is much larger whenthe surrounding small hamlets and barrier islands are included.

Siesta Keyis probably the most well known and popular destination of peoplevisiting the area. Known for the white sugary quartz crystal sand thatcovers the beach, Siesta Key has become known as one of the top two orthree  beaches in the United States.

Some ofthe other keys included in Sarasota's official limits are  Lido Key,St.Armand's Key, Otter Key,Coon Key,Bird Key and  Longboat Key which hasbecome one of the top ten "premier" addresses in the country.

Siesta Key

If one candrag themselves from the pristine beaches , there are many activitiesto consume one's time.  Everything from the arts, theater, shopping,fine dining, and even minor league baseball as well as major leaguespring training is available for everyone to enjoy.

Many MLBteams have made Sarasota either their spring training home or a homefor their minor league teams, including the Cincinnati Reds,Boston RedSox, and now the Baltimore Orioles have come to call Sarasota home .

  Civic,church,and fraternal organizations of every shape, size and desire add to themix making it almost impossible to be bored in this "big" little city.Sarasota boasts one of the largest and most active Shriners Temples inall of Shrinedom.

Gary is a travel writer and photographer living in Sarasota,Florida. He has a website featuring  more photos and articles and also markets products featuring some of his travel photos.