Sarasota Florida Follows Roundabout Craze

The Herald Tribune reports this morning that Sarasota Florida is following Asheville, North Carolina and Carmel Indiana as well as other cities in the roundabout craze that has hit the United States. I'll be taking on the Asheville roundabouts when I visit family there in July.

My first experience with roundabouts was about 20 years ago visiting friends in Hilton Head. It took me awhile to get use to them, but now that I understand the lanes, I like the roundabouts. In 1996, I spent a little time in France and went in circles several times in the middle of nowhere trying to go the correct direction. Rome was really quite a challenge too. Fortunately, I wasn't driving, and we made it to St. Peters and back to the Spanish steps unscathed.

Work on a Five Points roundabout in Sarasota begins this summer. I'm sure some will be against this project, but I think it will be a beautiful asset to an already beautiful city.

If you are searching the Sarasota MLS for properties and need some help, give Annette Smith a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email for a quick response.

Mother's Day at Selby Gardens in Sarasota, FL

Old and young alike enjoyed Mother's Day at Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Florida yesterday. Betsy de Manio of Coldwell Banker invited me to join her along with Elizabeth and Elliott Rose for a fun afternoon. We enjoyed the concert under the banyan trees at Selby. What fun!! The Venturas delighted the crowd with their repertoire of wonderful oldies.

Bunch was served at 11:00 am, and the Venturas performed from 1:00 pm. - 3:00 pm. The crowd gathered under the banyans sitting in folding chairs and sipped ice tea, wine and beer to upbeat tunes. Renditions of music made famous by Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and others were repeatedly applauded. Children climbed in the banyan trees as the audience clapped, toe tapped and finger snapped to the lively rhythms.


At the far end of the lawn, dancers hid behind trees to jive to Chuck Berry while a delightful couple entertained the crowd with their own rendition of the swing.



Two very young dancers met for the first time under the banyan trees at Selby Gardens yesterday. Maybe we saw future contenders for "Dancing with the Stars."


The Mother's Day performance at Selby Gardens was the last concert performance this season. If you haven't been to the Gardens lately, it's a must if you're visiting Sarasota.

For Sarasota real estate information, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922. You can catch the Venturas on Wednesday evenings at the Ritz Carlton or Thursday at Madison's on Main Street in Sarasota.

Sarasota Waterfront Condos on Sarasota Bay

Condos such as Essex House, Regency House, Sarabande and Tessera all have prestigious street addresses at Gulfstream Avenue and Palm Avenue. Incredible views from these Bayfront Sarasota condos command a higher price than a city view. Residents enjoy multiple amenities and are part of an urban lifestyle dreamed about by real estate web surfers.

Palm Avenue is home to restaurants, specialty shops and art galleries. Sarasota’s Main Street is a short walk away. Residents can easily take in a show at cultural events, all within a short drive too.

Gulfstream Avenue faces Sarasota Bay and Marina Jack’s. Many condominiums in this downtown area have views of the Marina as well as Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. Walk around the park and stop at the dancing dolphin fountain and make a wish – a new downtown Sarasota condo!

Daily the downtown Bayfront Park is bustling with condo owners from the Essex House, Regency House, Sarabande and Tessera. Condominium owners enjoy walk, visiting with their neighbors and shopping in downtown Sarasota. Sunsets from balconies facing West are sensational.

Active Listings Sarasota Bayfront Condos

Essex House: 3 Lowest Price: $374,900
Regency House: 3 Lowest Price: $544,000
Tessera: 3 Lowest Price: $933,000
Sarabande: 3 Lowest Price: $1,495,000

If you are searching for a waterfront condo in Sarasota, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 to schedule an appointment. Other downtown waterfront properties can be found on Golden Gate Point. Condos such as La Bellasara and Grande Riviera have outstanding waterfront views.