117-575: Sarasota ( / ˌ s ær ə ˈ s oʊ t ə / ) is a city in and the county seat of Sarasota County, Florida , United States. It is located in Southwest Florida , the southern end of the Greater Tampa Bay Area , and north of Fort Myers and Punta Gorda. Its official limits include Sarasota Bay and several barrier islands between the bay and the Gulf of Mexico . Sarasota is a principal city of
234-474: A charter city . In some states, large areas have no general-purpose local government below the county level. Town or township governments are organized local governments authorized in the state constitutions and statutes of 20 Northeastern and Midwestern states, established to provide general government for a defined area, generally based on the geographic subdivision of a county. An additional dimension that distinguishes township governments from municipalities
351-519: A commission–manager form of government. There are a total of five city commissioners: two that are elected "at large" and three from single-member districts. The mayor and vice mayor are selected from the five city commissioners. Mayors of Sarasota, Florida include: Sarasota has many musical, dance, theatre, circus and other performing arts venues, including the Sarasota Ballet , Sarasota Opera , Asolo Repertory Theatre , Florida Studio Theatre ,
468-489: A humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cooler, milder winters. The high temperatures and high humidity in the summer regularly push the heat index over 100 °F (38 °C). There are distinct rainy and dry seasons, with the rainy season lasting from March to November and the dry season from December to February. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 24.08 square miles (62.4 km), of which 14.70 sq mi (38.07 km)
585-541: A mayor or president . Alternatively, the institution may be of the council–manager government form, run by a city manager under direction of the city council . In the past the municipal commission was also common. Across the US, local governments employ more than ten million people. The ICMA has classified local governments into five common forms: mayor–council , council–manager , commission , town meeting , and representative town meeting . In addition to elections for
702-403: A bachelor's degree or higher. In 2020, the median household income was $ 56,093 with a per capita income of $ 43,387. 15.6% of the population lived below the poverty threshold . As of the 2010 United States census , there were 51,917 people, 22,775 households, and 11,603 families residing in the city. Sarasota municipal government was incorporated in 1913, changing from a town type to adopting
819-456: A census and birth registration, an area PTA, and a Red Cross Auxiliary. The Sarasota Woman's Club relocated in 1976 and the building became slated for demolition. Marian McKenna, a patron, and supporter of the arts, did not want to see the building and her memories destroyed. She purchased the building and later sold it to Florida Studio Theatre. In 1985, the Sarasota Woman's Club building
936-422: A city can, either by separating from its county or counties or by merging with one or more counties, become independent of any separately functioning county government and function both as a county and as a city. Depending on the state, such a city is known as either an independent city or a consolidated city-county . A consolidated city-county differs from an independent city in that in a consolidated city-county,
1053-488: A council or mayor, elections are often also held for positions such as local judges, the sheriff , prosecutors, and other offices. Local governments across the US consist of hundreds of thousands of elected officials. Local elections are often marked by "abysmally low" voter turnout , as these elections are de-synchronized from state and federal elections. A 2009 study found that less than 40% of registered voters participate in local elections for mayor and city council. Turnout
1170-493: A county government office building. The adjacent courthouse that he donated to the new county in 1921 has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The courthouse complex was designed by Dwight James Baum . Sarasota County, Florida Sarasota County is a county located in Southwest Florida . At the 2020 US census , the population was 434,006. Its county seat is Sarasota and its largest city
1287-580: A crime drama starring Denzel Washington and Eva Mendes used the Blackburn Point Bridge , Boca Grande and Cortez . In 2013, Taylor Hackford 's action movie Parker , with Jason Statham , Jennifer Lopez , Nick Nolte had scenes filmed at Ca' d'Zan in Sarasota. In June 2017, director Kevin Smith shot his 2022 film, KillRoy Was Here , in Sarasota. Sarasota is home to Mote Marine Laboratory ,
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#17328446256301404-611: A loose association with authorities in London . Representative government sprung up spontaneously in various colonies, and during the colonial years, it was recognized and ratified by later charters. But the colonial assemblies passed few bills and did not conduct much business, but dealt with a narrow range of issues, and legislative sessions lasted weeks (occasionally longer), and most legislators could not afford to neglect work for extended periods; so wealthier people tended to predominate in local legislatures. Office holders tended to serve from
1521-724: A marine rescue, research facility, an aquarium, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Since 1998, the city has hosted the Sarasota Film Festival annually. The festival attracts independent films from around the world. It claims to be one of Florida's largest film festivals. In 2009 the annual Ringling International Arts Festival , held its premier and held its closing event in
1638-633: A sense of duty and prestige, and not for financial benefit. Campaigning by candidates was different from today's. There were no mass media or advertising. Candidates talked with voters in person, walking a line between undue familiarity and aloofness. Prospective officeholders were expected to be at the polls on election day and made a point to greet all voters. Failure to appear or to be civil to all could be disastrous. In some areas, candidates offered voters food and drink, evenhandedly giving "treats" to opponents as well as supporters. ––Ed Crews. Taxes were generally based on real estate since it
1755-595: A sheepskin Spanish map from 1763 with the word Zarazote over present-day Sarasota and Bradenton . The origin of the name is disputed, with some claiming that it is based on conquistador Hernando de Soto's daughter Sara, and others claiming that it comes from "sara-de-cota," meaning "an area of land easily observed" in the language of the Calusa indigenous tribe. Around 1883 to 1885, The Florida Mortgage and Investment Company of Edinburgh bought 60,000 acres for development in what
1872-650: A single function, but, in some instances, their enabling legislation allows them to provide several, usually related, types of services. The services provided by these districts range from such basic social needs as hospitals and fire protection to the less conspicuous tasks of mosquito abatement and upkeep of cemeteries. The Census Bureau classification of special district governments covers a wide variety of entities, most of which are officially called districts or authorities. Additionally, U.S. courts have ruled that there are smaller areas which are to be considered as fulfilling government functions, and should therefore be bound by
1989-575: A stronghold for the Republican Party . It was one of the first parts of Florida to begin to favor the Republicans over the Democrats . The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry the county was Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944 . The closest any Democratic candidate has come since was Barack Obama in 2008 , who lost in the county by just 211 votes. The Republican edge has narrowed somewhat since
2106-525: A theater that could be adapted for either vaudeville performances or movie screenings. Renowned stripper Sally Rand did her bubble bath and fan dance here. Tommy Dorsey , Will Rogers and Elvis Presley each performed at the Edward Theatre. It is now the Sarasota Opera House . It remains at the intersection of Pineapple Avenue and Second Street, having been restored and used for performances by
2223-599: Is North Port . Sarasota County is part of the North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota, FL metropolitan statistical area. The area that is now known as Sarasota County has been inhabited by humans for some 10,000 years. Evidence of human remains as well as a burned out log at the Warm Mineral Springs , in North Port , were discovered that date to the early Archaic period . Although the name was associated with
2340-571: Is a convenient basis for understanding local government in the United States. The categories are as follows: County governments are organized local governments authorized in state constitutions and statutes. Counties and county-equivalents form the first-tier administrative division of the states. The county equivalents in Louisiana are called parishes , while those in Alaska are called boroughs . All
2457-689: Is an organization member of the Florida Library Association . The Little Free Library program was introduced to Sarasota County in 2014 as the result of a collaborative effort between the Libraries and Historical Resources department, the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department and the UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension and Sustainability department. The Sarasota County Little Free Libraries Archived April 10, 2018, at
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#17328446256302574-717: Is available through the Sarasota County Public Library System. Sarasota County residents have access to the Pinellas Talking Book Library as well as a Books-by-Mail service. The Selby Public Library has been a selective depository in the Federal Depository Library Program and receives almost 50% of the government publications distributed through the program. Additionally, the Sarasota County Library System
2691-535: Is common for residents of major U.S. metropolitan areas to live under six or more layers of special districts as well as a town or city, and a county or township . In turn, a typical metro area often consists of several counties, several dozen towns or cities, and a hundred (or more) special districts. In one state, California , the fragmentation problem became so bad that in 1963 the California Legislature created Local Agency Formation Commissions in 57 of
2808-531: Is disaster preparedness and response. The agency is responsible for what are called Community Emergency Response Teams as well as the county emergency evacuation shelters. The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) provides fire services to the City of Sarasota and all unincorporated areas of the county with the exception of areas covered by the Nokomis and Englewood fire districts. Additionally, SCFD provides EMS service to
2925-457: Is highest among homeowners, the elderly, and the wealthy. While their territory nominally falls within the boundaries of individual states, Indian reservations actually function outside of state control. The reservation is usually controlled by an elected tribal council which provides local services, and some reservations have their own determined subdivisions. Navajo Nation is divided into five agencies. The most local form of government in
3042-621: Is home to the Sarasota Paradise , a soccer team established in 2023, competing in USL League Two . The team played its first two seasons at Cleland Stadium at Ihrig Field at Sarasota High. In its 2024 Season the Sarasota Paradise took home a Division championship and qualified for playoffs for the first time in the team's history on July 15th, 2024. The City of Sarasota recognized August 19th, 2024 as Sarasota Paradise Day to commemorate
3159-435: Is land and 169 square miles (440 km ) (23.4%) is water. In addition to local parks there are several preserve areas including: Sarasota County has a humid subtropical climate , bordering on a tropical savanna climate , with hot, humid summers and warm, drier winters. The high temperatures and high humidity in the summer regularly push the heat index over 100 °F (38 °C). There are distinct rainy and dry seasons, with
3276-498: Is land and 9.39 sq mi (24.3 km) is water. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is the name given to the many natural deep water sections as well as humanmade channels, canals, and cuts that link the entire Sarasota Bay system. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 54,842 people, 25,209 households, and 12,474 families residing in the city. Of that population in 2020, 3.9% were under 5 years old, 14.6% were under 18 years old, and 28.0% were 65 years and older. 52.5% of
3393-624: Is located in Sarasota. The Circus Ring of Fame is a series of commemorative plaques in St. Armand's Circle , honoring prominent figures in circus history, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Honorees include Paul Binder , Nik Wallenda , and the King Charles Troupe , among over 150 others. Residents of Sarasota that have been associated with the circus include daredevil and Guinness World Record holder Bello Nock , himself an honoree of
3510-457: Is now Sarasota. Many Scottish people began to arrive in Sarasota in December 1885. The municipal government of Sarasota was established when it was incorporated as a town on October 14, 1902. John Hamilton Gillespie was the first Mayor of the town government. When reincorporated with a city form of government on May 13, 1913, A. B. Edwards became the first mayor of the city government. Sarasota has
3627-607: Is one of the largest and most active jazz clubs in the United States and has promoted jazz events in Sarasota for 39 years. Elvis Presley , Tommy Dorsey and Gregg Allman each played concerts in Sarasota. Joe Perry of Aerosmith , Brian Johnson of AC/DC , Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band , Donald Dunn of the Blues Brothers and Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues have all settled in Sarasota. Sarasota and
Sarasota, Florida - Misplaced Pages Continue
3744-427: Is since October 31, 2024 and provided by Florida Department of Elections: The Board of County Commissioners include the following: The School Board members include the following: As of the 2020 United States census , there were 434,006 people, 189,228 households, and 117,532 families residing in the county. 3.5% of that population was under the age of 5 years old, 14.0% was under 18 years old, and 37.4%
3861-806: Is the historical circumstance surrounding their formation. For example, towns in New England are also defined by a tradition of local government presided over by town meetings — assemblies open to all voters to express their opinions on public policy. The term "town" is also used for a local level of government in New York and Wisconsin . The terms "town" and "township" are used interchangeably in Minnesota . Some townships or other incorporated areas like villages , boroughs , plantations , and hamlets have governments and political power; others are simply geographic designations. Townships in many states are generally
3978-468: Is the largest key separating Sarasota Bay from the Gulf of Mexico but is a separate municipality. The city limits expanded significantly with the real estate rush of the early twentieth century, reaching almost 70 square miles (180 km). The speculation boom began to crash in 1926 and the city limits began to contract, shrinking to less than a quarter of that area. The area known today as Sarasota appeared on
4095-507: The Bauhaus and Frank Lloyd Wright 's "organic" architecture. The style developed as an adaptation to the area's sub-tropical climate and used newly emerging materials that were manufactured or implemented following World War II. By the end of the twentieth century, many of Sarasota's more modest historical structures were demolished. Recently, two historic buildings, the Crocker Church and
4212-649: The Circus Museum and the Tibbals Learning Center , established in 1948. Sarasota is also home to The Circus Arts Conservatory, which is responsible for the tent show Circus Sarasota and the "oldest youth circus", Sailor Circus. In 2017, The Circus Arts Conservatory took part in the Smithsonian Folk Festival. The Showfolks Club, a social organization that also puts on an annual circus performance billed as "Sarasota’s longest running circus event",
4329-473: The North Port- Bradenton- Sarasota, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area . According to the 2020 U.S. census , Sarasota had a population of 54,842, up from 51,917 at the 2010 census. The Sarasota city limits contain several islands, called keys, including Lido Key , St. Armands Key , Otter Key, Coon Key, Bird Key , and the northern portion of Siesta Key as well as Bay Island. Longboat Key
4446-614: The Sarasota Opera and others. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . In the early 1950s, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art purchased a historic Italian theater, the "Asolo" (now called the Historic Asolo Theater). This theatre was originally built for Queen Caterina of Cyprus' palace in Asolo, Italy in 1798 but was dismantled in 1931. A. Everett "Chick" Austin,
4563-556: The Tampa Bay Library Consortium libraries may register as reciprocal borrowers and check out materials in Sarasota County. Non-resident cards are available for purchase and offer the same privileges as resident cards. The library system provides a variety of services which include adult, teen and children's materials. Computers for public use are available at all ten Sarasota County Libraries and free wireless access in
4680-755: The U.S. Virgin Islands has districts , and American Samoa has districts and unorganized atolls . Each Indian Reservation is subdivided in various ways. For example, the Navajo Nation is subdivided into agencies and Chapter houses , while the Blackfeet Nation is subdivided into Communities . When North America was colonized by Europeans from the 17th century onward, there was initially little control from governments back in Europe . Many settlements began as shareholder or stockholder business enterprises, and while
4797-663: The Wayback Machine have been placed at thirteen different county parks and recreation centers. The first library, which was established in 1907 by the Sarasota Town Improvement Society. County libraries have been established in response to community demands and needs. The first libraries were autonomous with the Head Librarians reporting directly to the County Administrator. Sarasota Public Library
Sarasota, Florida - Misplaced Pages Continue
4914-473: The " incorporated places" that are recognized in Census Bureau reporting of population and housing statistics, although the Census Bureau excludes New England towns from their statistics for this category, and the count of municipal governments excludes places that are governmentally inactive. Municipalities range in size from the very small (e.g., the village of Monowi, Nebraska , with only 1 resident), to
5031-602: The "Going Vertical" project, and although it sometimes coincides with the chalk festival, it is distinct from it and often continues throughout the year. Except for a few commissioned on public property in the Palm Avenue Parking Garage, the murals are on private property and are in many sections of Sarasota and Manatee County. As of 2014 the Sarasota Chalk festival has relocated to Venice, FL, a small town just South of Sarasota. The name Sarasota Chalk Festival remains
5148-466: The 1990s, however; Democrats have managed at least 40 percent of the vote in every election since 1996. Republicans have historically dominated the county commission and all but two countywide elected positions. Democratic strength is concentrated in Sarasota, which has an all-Democratic city commission. Aside from the typical law enforcement and fire departments, Sarasota County also utilizes an Emergency Management agency. The agency's main area of focus
5265-503: The 2017 World Rowing Championships and subsequent World Rowing events in 2018 and 2019. It has also been the host of the 2016 Olympic Time Trials - Rowing and will host the delayed 2020 Olympic rowing time trials. NBP has also been the site of multiple NCAA national rowing championship regattas, the USRowing Youth National Championships, and other rowing regattas and dragon boat festivals since 2011. The park will host
5382-406: The 2021 U.S. Dragon Boat Federation National Championships and the 2022 International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships, after holding the 2014 International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission world regatta. Nathan Benderson Park is also the site of Olympic qualifying events in triathlon and paratriathlon, with several ITU Triathlon World Cup and Americas Triathlon Cup events over
5499-620: The Bidwell-Wood House (the oldest remaining structure in the city), first restored by Veronica Morgan and members of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation that she founded, became city property. These structures were relocated to this park, despite protests from residents who objected to the loss of park area. In the late 1970s, Sarasota County purchased the Terrace Hotel that Charles Ringling built and renovated it for use as
5616-399: The Census Bureau, despite the fact that they are legally municipal corporations , since their structure has no necessary relation to concentration of population, which is typical of municipalities elsewhere in the United States. In particular, towns in New England have considerably more power than most townships elsewhere and often function as legally equivalent to cities, typically exercising
5733-722: The Circus Ring of Fame, as well as aerialist and circus proprietor Dolly Jacobs , who cofounded The Circus Arts Conservatory. In 1952, Cecil B. DeMille filmed and premiered The Greatest Show on Earth (with James Stewart , Charlton Heston , Betty Hutton ) in Sarasota. In 1998, two studio films were filmed in Sarasota: Alfonso Cuaron 's Great Expectations , with Ethan Hawke , Gwyneth Paltrow , Hank Azaria , Anne Bancroft and Robert De Niro ; and Volker Schlondorff 's Palmetto , starring Woody Harrelson , Elisabeth Shue , and Gina Gershon . Out of Time (2003),
5850-414: The City of Sarasota, all unincorporated areas of the county (including areas covered by the Nokomis and Englewood fire districts) plus the city of Venice. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (SSO) is the county's primary law enforcement agency. It is responsible for patrolling the unincorporated areas of the county along with operating the county's jail and providing courtroom security. SSO also operates
5967-633: The Cultural Coast are home to fine art, film-making, circus history and performance, and decorative arts. The Sarasota Art Museum and the Ringling Museum are both in Sarasota. One of Sarasota's nicknames is "Circus City", or alternatively "The Circus Capital of the World", owing in part to John Ringling's decision to move the winter quarters of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Sarasota in 1927. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art houses
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#17328446256306084-679: The NMI are used as county equivalents by the U.S. Census, but Guam is treated as a single county. ) There are no municipal governments in the District of Columbia and the United States Virgin Islands ; only the district-wide and territory-wide governments under federal jurisdiction. In addition to general-purpose government entities legislating at the state, county, and city level, special-purpose areas may exist as well. Conservation districts are one such type of special purpose area, created for
6201-760: The Navajo Nation is the Chapter , which deals with local responsibilities expected of a municipal government. A census of all local governments in the country is performed every five years by the United States Census Bureau , in accordance with 13 USC 161. (not including insular areas ) * note: Municipalities are any incorporated places, such as cities , towns , villages , boroughs , etc. ** note: New England towns and towns in New York and Wisconsin are classified as civil townships for census purposes. The following sections provide details of
6318-552: The Palm Tree Playhouse in 1951. The Playhouse closed again in the 1960s. In the mid-1970s, Asolo Theatre purchased the space for production purposes and their Stage Two Theatre program. It was subsequently sold to Anita Katzman and reoccupied by Siesta Key Actors Theatre and Theatre Works in the 1980s. The building was acquired by Florida Studio Theatre and renamed the Gompertz Theatre in honor of Mrs. Leila Gompertz, who made
6435-591: The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Urbanite Theatre, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Sarasota Orchestra, La Musica, Jazz Club of Sarasota, Sarasota Youth Opera, Circus Arts Conservatory and many others. Theatrical venues include Florida Studio Theatre , Asolo Repertory Theatre , Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall , The Players Theatre, Urbanite Theatre, and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. In 1925, A. B. Edwards built
6552-459: The Sarasota Woman's Club, is amongst the oldest surviving buildings in Sarasota. Founded in 1903, the Sarasota Woman's Club eventually set out to create a meeting place to house social events, activities, and forums. On January 1, 1915, the cornerstone was laid at the corner of Palm Avenue and Park Street (now Cocoanut). It served as the town's first library and hosted numerous clubs and public committee gatherings. The Woman's Club also maintained
6669-503: The U.S. during the 1920s, according to one source, in which state law gave certain townships or other local governing bodies authority to decide how land was used; a typical zoning ordinance has a map of a parcel of land attached with a statement specifying how that land can be used, how buildings can be laid out, and so forth. Zoning legitimacy was upheld by the Supreme Court in its Euclid v. Ambler decision. The Tenth Amendment to
6786-565: The US Census Bureau's data collected in 2012, there were 89,004 local government units in the United States. This data shows a decline from 89,476 units since the last census of local governments performed in 2007. Each of the five permanently inhabited U.S. territories is also subdivided into smaller entities. Puerto Rico has 78 municipalities , and the Northern Mariana Islands has four municipalities. Guam has villages ,
6903-625: The United States Constitution makes local government a matter of state rather than federal law, with special cases for territories and the District of Columbia . As a result, the states have adopted a wide variety of systems of local government. The United States Census Bureau conducts the Census of Governments every five years to compile statistics on government organization, public employment, and government finances. The categories of local government established in this Census of Governments
7020-463: The United States as a territory, the area now included in Sarasota county had been part of St. Johns County (1821), Alachua County (1824), Hillsborough County (1834), and Manatee County (1855) as new counties were created from older counties to accommodate population growth and settlement in new areas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 725 square miles (1,880 km ), of which 556 square miles (1,440 km )
7137-518: The United States of America. Celebrating the sixteenth-century performance art of Italian street painting, the festival hosted Maestro Madonnaro Edgar Mueller from Germany, who created the first street painting that changed images from day to night. The festival has a different theme each year and has introduced new techniques in street art. Other applications of street art such as murals and "cellograff graffiti" have become companion events also produced by Avenida de Colores, Inc. The murals are part of
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#17328446256307254-651: The ability to raise taxes or fees, fine members for infractions against association-rules, and initiate lawsuits. The question of civil rights in such communities has not yet been conclusively determined, and varies from state to state. School districts are organized local entities providing public elementary and secondary education which, under state law, have sufficient administrative and fiscal autonomy to qualify as separate governments. The category excludes dependent public school systems of county, municipal, township, or state governments (e.g., school divisions ). Special districts are all organized local entities other than
7371-440: The achievement. Sarasota County is home to Ed Smith Stadium , where the Baltimore Orioles currently have spring training. The Orioles also have minor league facilities at Twin Lakes Park. In January 2017, the Braves announced a formal agreement to move their Spring Training home to North Port . CoolToday Park opened on March 24, 2019. Sarasota County is also home to Nathan Benderson Park . The facility has played host to
7488-408: The airport, fire departments, property and ad valorem taxes, voting, the health department, extension services, stormwater control, mosquito control, the courts, and the jail. The municipal government of Sarasota was established when it was incorporated as a town on October 14, 1902. Sarasota was then reincorporated as a city on May 13, 1913. Since its incorporation, Sarasota has been governed by
7605-440: The area from the beginning of European contacts, the origin of the name "Sarasota" is unknown. In the early twentieth-century, a fanciful story was created to go hand-in-hand with a pageant held in Sarasota. The story held that the town was named after the daughter of famous explorer Hernando de Soto 's daughter Sara. An early map of the area from 1763 shows the word "Zarazote" across present day Sarasota. Following exploration,
7722-452: The area was occupied by fishing camps, called ranchos. In 1842, the Armed Occupation Act was passed, which deeded land to settlers who were willing to cultivate land in Florida. The act brought settlers to Sarasota but also led to the Second Seminole War . During the war, the area was occupied by the U.S. army and Fort Armistead was built. Sarasota County was created in 1921 from the southern part of Manatee County . After acquisition by
7839-448: The ceremonial positions of "mayor" and "vice-mayor", as chosen by the commission every April. Two at-large commissioners are elected by all voters and the city is divided into three districts for which the residents of each elect one district representative to the five member commission. Many aspects of the city are overseen by the county government ranging from the schools, the libraries, the bay, major waterways, county-designated roads,
7956-603: The city and county both nominally exist, although they have a consolidated government, whereas in an independent city, the county does not even nominally exist. Such a jurisdiction constitutes a county-equivalent and is analogous to a unitary authority in other countries. In Connecticut, Rhode Island, and parts of Massachusetts, counties exist only to designate boundaries for such state-level functions as park districts or judicial offices (Massachusetts). In Puerto Rico, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands, there are municipalities (villages in Guam) and no counties. (Municipalities in PR and
8073-465: The city type of local government found in the United States and the title of its government changed to "City of Sarasota". Sarasota later was designated as the county seat when Sarasota County was carved out of Manatee County in 1921 during the creation of several new counties . In 1945 the commission-manager government form was adopted for the city and it is governed by a five-person commission elected by popular vote, two members of which serve in
8190-406: The country and worldwide. The Festival has become a destination event, drawing thousands across Florida and beyond. Past performers have come from as far as Mexico, Canada, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom to perform on Florida's Gulf Coast. In 2010, the Sarasota Chalk Festival that is held yearly in the historic area of Burns Square became the first international street painting festival in
8307-764: The county in which they would otherwise be a part. In some states, particularly in New England, towns form the primary unit of local government below the state level, in some cases eliminating the need for county government entirely. Many rural areas and even some suburban areas of many states have no municipal government below the county level. In addition to counties and municipalities, states often create special purpose authorities, such as school districts and districts for fire protection, sanitary sewer service, public transportation , public libraries , public parks or forests, water resource management, and conservation districts . Such special purpose districts may encompass areas in multiple municipalities or counties. According to
8424-482: The county's primary 911 center. The cities of Sarasota , North Port, and Venice along with the Town of Longboat Key each have their own police departments. The Florida Highway Patrol is responsible for patrolling FDOT maintained roads in the county ( Florida State Highway System ) and investigating motor vehicle accidents that occur in unincorporated areas. Three specialist law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction in
8541-601: The county. In November 2023, the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners voted to cease the Sarasota County library system's membership with the American Library Association and the Florida Library Association , referencing concern over Marxist influences and that the associations' were "acting like political action committees." Sarasota County is part of the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota DMA , however
8658-802: The county: the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Police Department, the New College / USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus Police Department, the Seminole Gulf Railway (SGLR) Police Department and the Sarasota County Schools Police Department. Each agency, except for the SCS Police Department, has jurisdiction in neighboring Manatee County as well, as each agency's properties extend into that county. All voter information
8775-486: The following stations have facilities located in the county: Television stations serving all or part of Sarasota County but located in Saint Petersburg or Tampa include: Local government in the United States [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Most U.S. states and territories have at least two tiers of local government: counties and municipalities . Louisiana uses the term parish and Alaska uses
8892-613: The four categories listed above, authorized by state law to provide designated functions as established in the district's charter or other founding document, and with sufficient administrative and fiscal autonomy to qualify as separate governments; known by a variety of titles, including districts, authorities, boards, commissions, etc., as specified in the enabling state legislation. A special district may serve areas of multiple states if established by an interstate compact . Special districts are widely popular, have enjoyed "phenomenal growth" and "nearly tripled in number" from 1957 to 2007. It
9009-547: The free, public, multi-day event that also includes gallery showings, film, and other live performances. A large number of homes and buildings are designed in the Italian style. Italian architecture and culture are present in the area including at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Ringling's home, Cà d'Zan , was mostly modeled on the Venetian. Examples of those more typically seen in
9126-470: The full range of powers that are divided between counties, townships, and cities in other states. In New England, towns are a principal form of local municipal government, providing many of the functions of counties in other states. In California , by contrast, the pertinent statutes of the Government Code clarify that "town" is simply another word for "city", especially a general law city as distinct from
9243-475: The historic Asolo theater, which had been moved and rebuilt again. The historic Venetian theater now is housed in the reception building for the museum where it is used for special events as well as performances, informative purposes, and another seasonal film series hosted by the museum. Florida Studio Theatre produces the annual Sarasota Improv Festival. Founded in 2009 by Rebecca Hopkins, FST's annual Sarasota Improv Festival brings together improvisers from across
9360-537: The king of Britain had technical sovereignty, in most instances "full governmental authority was vested in the company itself." Settlers had to fend for themselves; compact towns sprung up based as legal corporations in what has been described as "pure democracy": The people, owing to the necessity of guarding against the Indians and wild animals, and to their desire to attend the same church, settled in small, compact communities, or townships, which they called towns. The town
9477-468: The late 1990s, "a movement, frequently called 'New Regionalism', accepts the futility of seeking consolidated regional governments and aims instead for regional structures that do not supplant local governments." Unlike the relationship of federalism that exists between the U.S. government and the states (in which power is shared), municipal governments have no power beyond what is granted to them by their states. This legal doctrine, called Dillon's Rule ,
9594-630: The lead gift enabling the purchase. Sarasota is the home of the Sarasota Orchestra , which was founded by Ruth Cotton Butler in 1949 and known for years as the Florida West Coast Symphony . It holds a three-week Sarasota Music Festival that is recognized internationally and boasts it attracts renowned teachers and the finest students of chamber music. Sarasota also boasts a symphonic chorus, Key Chorale, and professional vocal ensemble, Choral Artists of Sarasota. The Jazz Club of Sarasota
9711-484: The libraries is provided by the Sarasota County Government. The library system has licensing to the cloudLibrary , Hoopla and Freegal Music . On April 27, 2022, Sarasota County Libraries migrated all digital content to from Overdrive to cloudLibrary to provide a fuller, more streamlined digital collection and discontinued using Overdrive . Ask a Librarian , the on-line Florida librarian reference system
9828-441: The municipality and the county have been merged into a unified, coterminous jurisdiction—that is to say, these counties consist in their entirety of a single municipality whose city government also operates as the county government. Some counties, such as Arlington County, Virginia , do not have any additional subdivisions. Some states contain independent cities that are not part of any county; although it may still function as if it
9945-635: The museum's first director, arranged the purchase and reassembly of the theater for performances of plays and opera. In the 1960s philanthropists Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel enabled the city to build a performing arts hall on the bayfront. The auditorium, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall , was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 's successor firm, Taliesin Associated Architects team under the direction of William Wesley Peters . Wright's widow, Olgivanna Lloyd Wright , who participated in
10062-422: The population were female persons. As of 2020, 4,056 veterans lived in the city and 16.7% of the population were foreign born persons. In 2020, the median gross rent was $ 1,177. 92.5% of the households had a computer and 84.2% of the households had a broadband internet subscription. In 2020, 90.0% of the population over 25 years had completed a high school education, and 37.2% of the population over 25 years had
10179-679: The product of the Public Land Survey System . Municipal governments are organized local governments authorized in state constitutions and statutes, established to provide general government for a defined area, generally corresponding to a population center rather than one of a set of areas into which a county is divided. The category includes those governments designated as cities, boroughs (except in Alaska), towns (except in Minnesota and Wisconsin), and villages. This concept corresponds roughly to
10296-557: The project, selected its purple color. In 1989, Stuart Barger, a local architect, designed and oversaw the construction of another Asolo Theater, housed in the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts . It is a multi-theater complex, located farther east on the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art property, being placed between Bay Shore Road and Tamiami Trail, and facing south toward Ringling Plaza. It
10413-592: The purpose of conserving land, natural scenery, flora, and fauna. There are also numerous " special district governments " in existence throughout the various states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , such governments are: independent, special-purpose governmental units (other than school district governments) that exist as separate entities with substantial administrative and fiscal independence from general-purpose local governments. Special district governments provide specific services that are not being supplied by existing general-purpose governments. Most perform
10530-400: The rainy season lasting from March to November and the dry season from December to February. Sarasota County is one of only 20 Florida counties with its own charter, adopted in 1971. Sarasota County is governed by a five-member county commission. Each commissioner serves a four-year term and resides in and represents a single district. Like most of Southwest Florida, Sarasota County has been
10647-669: The same restrictions placed on "traditional" local government bodies. These include homeowners associations (determined in Shelley v. Kraemer , Loren v. Sasser , Committee for a Better Twin Rivers v. Twin Rivers Homeowners' Association ), and company-owned towns (both for employees and for consumers, decided in the USSC case Marsh v. Alabama in 1946). Many homeowners' and neighborhood associations are considered non-profit organizations , but have
10764-527: The same style are the residences of Edith Ringling and of Hester Ringling Lancaster Sanford, that also are among the structures in the Caples–Ringling Estates Historic District . Italian inspired statues are also common and the copy of Michelangelo's David at the museum is used as the symbol of Sarasota. The Sarasota School of Architecture developed as a variant of mid-century modernist architecture. It incorporates elements of both
10881-622: The same. It is also home to the Fabulous Arts Foundation, formerly the Harvey Milk Festival, an independent music festival in support of civil rights , focusing on the LGBTQ community. It has been celebrated in May annually since 2010 on the weekend closest to Harvey Milk 's birthday. It is currently the largest independent music festival in Sarasota, with thousands of attendees throughout
10998-572: The state governments and became technically municipal corporations . Townships and county governments and city councils shared much of the responsibility for decision-making which varied from state to state. As the United States grew in size and complexity, decision-making authority for issues such as business regulation, taxation, environmental regulation moved to state governments and the national government, while local governments retained control over such matters as zoning issues, property taxes , and public parks. The concept of "zoning" originated in
11115-720: The state's 58 counties; that is, government agencies to supervise the orderly formation and development of other government agencies. One effect of all this complexity is that victims of government negligence occasionally sue the wrong entity and do not realize their error until the statute of limitations has run against them. Because efforts at direct consolidation have proven futile, U.S. local government entities often form "councils of governments", "metropolitan regional councils", or "associations of governments". These organizations serve as regional planning agencies and as forums for debating issues of regional importance, but are generally powerless relative to their individual members. Since
11232-517: The state's constitution. Dillon's Rule is the default rule, but some state constitutions and state statutes provide home rule authority for local governments. State constitutions and statutes which allow counties or municipalities to enact ordinances without the legislature's express permission are said to provide home rule authority. New Jersey , for example, provides for home rule. Under home rule authority, local governments have implicit authority to govern themselves, unless specifically denied by
11349-565: The state, local governments may operate under their own charters or under general law, or a state may have a mix of chartered and general-law local governments. Generally, in a state having both chartered and general-law local governments, the chartered local governments have more local autonomy and home rule. Municipalities are typically subordinate to a county government, with some exceptions. Certain cities, for example, have consolidated with their county government as consolidated city-counties . In Virginia , cities are completely independent from
11466-442: The state. This is especially true of matters of local concern. The nature of both county and municipal government varies not only between states, but also between different counties and municipalities within them. Local voters are generally free to choose the basic framework of government from a selection established by state law. In most cases both counties and municipalities have a governing council, governing in conjunction with
11583-517: The states are divided into counties or county-equivalents for administrative purposes, with most, although not all counties or county-equivalents, having an organized county government. County government has been eliminated throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island , as well as in parts of Massachusetts . The Unorganized Borough in Alaska also does not operate under a county level government. The specific governmental powers of counties vary widely between
11700-584: The states. In some states, mainly in New England , they are primarily used as judicial districts. In other states, counties have broad powers in housing, education, transportation and recreation. In areas lacking a county government, services are provided either by lower level townships or municipalities, or the state. Counties may contain a number of cities , towns, villages, or hamlets . Some cities including Philadelphia , Honolulu , San Francisco , Nashville , and Denver are consolidated city-counties , where
11817-647: The term borough for what the U.S. Census Bureau terms county equivalents in those states. Civil townships or towns are used as subdivisions of a county in 20 states, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. Population centers may be organized into incorporated municipalities of several types, including the city , town , borough , and village . The types and nature of these municipal entities are defined by state law, and vary from state to state. In addition to these general-purpose local governments, states may also create special-purpose local governments. Depending on
11934-494: The terms are used interchangeably). However, the powers granted to townships or towns vary considerably from state to state. Many states grant townships some governmental powers (making them civil townships , either independently or as a part of the county government. In others, survey townships are non-governmental. Towns in the six New England states and townships in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are included in this category by
12051-480: The town clerk, treasurer, constables, assessors, and overseers of the poor. To this day the town government continues in a large measure in some parts of New England. ––historian Henry William Elson writing in 1904. Propertied men voted; in no colonies was there universal suffrage . The founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629 by a group of Puritans led by John Winthrop came with
12168-620: The understanding that the enterprise was to be "based in the new world rather than in London." The notion of self-government became accepted in the colonies, although it was not totally free from challenges; in the 1670s, the Lords of Trade and Plantations (a royal committee regulating mercantile trade in the colonies) tried to annul the Massachusetts Bay charter, but by 1691, the New England colonies had reinstalled their previous governments. Voting
12285-406: The very large (e.g., New York City , with about 8.5 million people), and this is reflected in the range of types of municipal governments that exist in different areas. There are approximately 30,000 incorporated cities in the United States, with varying degrees of self-rule. In most states, county and municipal governments exist side by side. There are exceptions to this, however. In some states,
12402-523: The years. Numerous community running and walking events, music and food festivals and other community events are held in the park, including the annual NBP Fireworks On The Lake, held every July 3, and NBP Trick Or Treat On The Lake, held the last week of October. Library branches: Sarasota County residents may obtain library cards for free and valid library cards may be used to check out materials at all ten Sarasota County libraries. Manatee and Charlotte County residents, as well as library users from any of
12519-556: Was 25 years or older had completed a high school education, and 36.4% of those 25 years or older had a bachelor's degree or higher. As of 2020 , according to the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA), the percentage of religious affiliations in Sarasota County were: As of January 2018 , the top private employers for Sarasota County are as follows: As of October 2018 , the top employees for Sarasota County, including public sector jobs, are as follows: Sarasota County
12636-411: Was 65 years or older. 52.4% was female. The median household income was $ 64,644 with a per capita income of $ 44,402. 8.7% of population below the poverty threshold. The median value of owner-occupied housing-units between 2016 and 2020 was $ 269,300 and the median gross rent was $ 1,342. There were 41,215 veterans living in the county. 12.2% of the population was foreign born. 93.2% of the population that
12753-675: Was a consolidated city-county, an independent city was legally separated from any county. Some municipalities are in multiple counties ; New York City is uniquely partitioned into five boroughs that are each coterminous with a county. In many states, most or all of the land area of counties is divided into townships , which may or may not be incorporated. In New York, Wisconsin and New England, county subdivisions are called towns . The U.S. Census divides counties in states not having such subdivisions into other minor civil divisions , sometimes using electoral districts. The terms "township" and "town" are closely related (in many historical documents
12870-462: Was a legal corporation, was the political unit, and was represented in the General Court. It was a democracy of the purest type. Several times a year the adult males met in town meeting to discuss public questions, to lay taxes, to make local laws, and to elect officers. The chief officers were the "selectmen," from three to nine in number, who should have the general management of the public business;
12987-604: Was added to the National Register of Historic Places. After completing more renovations to the historic building in 2003, the theatre was renamed the Keating Theatre in honor of Ed and Elaine Keating, and in 2004, additional lobby space was built in the theatre - the Bea Friedman Room. FST's Keating Theatre now seats 173 and remains a cultural center of Sarasota. In 2003, FST purchased the Gompertz Theatre. The building
13104-640: Was built around a rococo , historic Scottish theater previously called the Dunfermline Opera House , which had been shipped to Florida. The complex provides venues and facilities for students of Florida State University 's MFA Acting program, the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training . This was the administrative home of the Sarasota French Film Festival for several years. Florida Studio Theatre 's Keating Theatre, formerly
13221-526: Was established as a precedent early on; in fact, one of the first things that Jamestown settlers did was conduct an election. Typically, voters were white males described as "property owners" aged twenty-one and older, but sometimes the restrictions were greater, and in practice, persons able to participate in elections were few. Women were prevented from voting (although there were a few exceptions) and African-Americans were excluded. The colonists never thought of themselves as subservient but rather as having
13338-590: Was established by Judge John Forrest Dillon in 1872 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Hunter v. Pittsburgh , 207 U.S. 161 (1907), which upheld the power of Pennsylvania to consolidate the city of Allegheny into the city of Pittsburgh , despite the wishes of the majority of Allegheny residents. In effect, state governments can place whatever restrictions they choose on their municipalities (including merging municipalities, controlling them directly, or abolishing them outright), as long as such rules do not violate
13455-468: Was fixed in place and plainly visible, its value was generally well known, and revenue could be allocated to the government unit where the property was located. After the American Revolution , the electorate chose the governing councils in almost every American municipality, and state governments began issuing municipal charters. During the 19th century, many municipalities were granted charters by
13572-465: Was managed by Betty Service, the Englewood library by Harriet Ives, and Venice by Jean McGuire. Joan Hopkins directed and coordinated library services for the rapidly growing population. She directed the establishment of Gulf Gate Public Library, North Port Public Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library and the new downtown Sarasota library, and laid the groundwork for building future libraries in
13689-706: Was originally the Park-Seventh Movie House in the 1920s. Due to the Depression, the movie house shut its doors and became an empty venue. During its predominantly vacant period in the 1940s, the theatre hosted a variety of roadshows and performers, including Tom Mix and his Wonder Horse and the All Girls' Orchestra. During this time it was known as the Garden Theater, and later the Art Theater, before becoming known as
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