Sarasota, Florida
Growing Up in Sarasota Florida Meant Growing Up in Paradise.
“I live where you vacation.” That was my mantra in high school. Growing in up in Sarasota, Florida meant growing up in paradise.
As a teenager, afternoons were spent running home to watch MTV while listening to the dial up of AIM from the back porch before jumping into the pool for a swim. The beach was my backyard and Marine Biology was the class we hoped appeared on our schedule. I mean, who wouldn’t pick to spend two days a week on the school’s boat, the “Carefree Learner”, over a chemistry lab. Every hometown has that one spot. The unspoken meet up location that not only defines friend groups but serves as the critical pinpoint to so many life changing moments. And oh, if that spot could talk! Stories of first kisses, secrets never to be spoken of again, and friendships bonded for life.
For my friends and me, that was the red lifeguard tower on Siesta Key Beach. If the sun was shining (which it always is in Sarasota), that’s where we would be. We’d drop our towels before school in the morning and be back by 5th period.
Over the years, I’ve watched Sarasota change - from the small town known to locals for white powder beaches and one room play houses, to a hip destination set for the masses.
Adventureshipstop
Our secrets out. It didn’t take long before the snow birds never seemed to go home and our local daiquiri watering hole took over the shop next door to expand for patio seating. The drum circle that used to be our small Sunday night hang, where you could join in with the festivities, has now turned into the main attraction.
In 2011 Siesta Key Beach was voted Best Beach in America and has sat at the top of the charts ever since. But I get it. I’m not mad, I’m kind of impressed actually. What took everyone so long?
I love that a town once known for Spanish settlers and the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus was able to keep its paradise status under the radar for so long. now don’t get me wrong, us locals still have our secret beach access and guaranteed parking spots - good for when you don’t want to walk St. Armands Circle, but want that fresh strawberry cone from the best ice cream shop in town.
There is one little charm about the city I hope it never looses. To this day, when I tell people I’m from Sarasota, the number one reaction I get is “ Oh, I know Sarasota, my grandparents live there!”
It will never matter how many people I share my paradise with. As long as the red lifeguard tower never changes, Sarasota will always be home.
