Gays and lesbians quietly gaining acceptance. New movie theatres, dance clubs, and eco-tourism are recent developments. Mote Marine Lab continues enviromental research. Ringling Museum and other cultural attractions are popular. Elected officials almost all Republican - but a Democrat occasionally slips through.
Republicans tend to be the pro-choice, chamber of commerce type.
The Christian Coalition Republicans don't do well here and don't feel at home. There was an elected black mayor, who lost a contest for county commission. And the sunsets are pretty to boot. Politically, democrats do not exist in Sarasota or Sarasota County. The party is becoming increasingly weaker throughout the State of Florida and Sarasota Couhty is in the vanguard.