Sarasota' Syesha Mercado Hometown Idol

Sarasota's American Idol Returns Home

Friday the top three contestants on American Idol returned to their hometowns. Sarasota Florida's Syesha Mercado returned home to dazzle crowds in Sarasota and Bradenton. Syesha belted out "Proud Mary" at an afternoon concert outside the waterfront Ca d'Zhan Mansion of the Ringling Museum. After multiple concerts, interviews, autograph signings and visits to Bradenton where she grew up and Booker High School where she graduated, Syesha will prepare for the American Idol finals on Tuesday night. Congratulations Syesha, you've made Sarasota proud!

Sarasota Florida Makes Coastal Living's Hot Spot List

Once again Sarasota makes a major magazine's list of best spots. In the April issue of Coastal Living magazine, now on newstands, Sarasota Florida is listed as one of the best coastal spots in North America for 2007. Snuffy Smith and I regularly walk on the bayfront pictured in the article. With the marina, skyline and water views, we are always in awe of our surroundings. We are lucky to live in such a "hot spot!"

"Lots of Northerners head to Florida for the temperate climate. But transplants to Sarasota, located on the Gulf Cost some 60 miles south of Tampa/St. Petersburg, take advantage of the cultural climate, as well. It's unlikely that any other city this size --- especially among destination cities for cold-weather refugees -- boasts as sophisticated an arts environment." Read about the Ringling Museum and more on Sarasota.

With articles beginning to tout a buyer's market and postive endorsements as the one mentioned, inventory of Sarasota homes will decrease over the next few years. If you think now is the time to buy real estate in Sarasota, Annette Smith with RE/MAX Properties is available to help you be an informed home buyer or home seller in today's changing Sarasota real estate market.