Southgate has a surprising number of highlights for being a relatively small area. The most notable features are probably Phillippi Creek and the two golf courses and the South Gate Community Center located right on the Phillippi Creek. The center was designed by the famous architect Victor Lundy a modernistic original member of the Sarasota School of Architecture. The community center hosts a Farmers Market on Thursday from 4 pm -8 pm, there is a community pool, people launch kayaks there and the hall and its beautiful grounds are used for many community activities and the once-a-year South Gate Fest. The hall is also available to rent for weddings and other functions too. With its floor to wood-beamed ceiling looking out over grassy slopes, palm trees, and moss dripping grand oaks down the Phillippi Creek it really is a special feature for all the South Gate Community to enjoy.
Phillippi Creek runs through Southgate from north to south. This river has two mid-stream islands, each with a limited selection of residential homes.
The two golf courses in Southgate are The Palms and Village Green. Village green has its own associated residential development, Village Green Club Estates. The Palms Golf Club at Forest Lake has many fairway-view properties of its own making this area excellent for those looking for golf real estate or homes near Sarasota Florida.
For commercial options, residents of Southgate enjoy shopping at Westfield South Gate Mall (now renamed Siesta Mall because it is on the corner of US41 and Siesta Dr. which goes over the north bridge to Siesta Key) This mall features Cinebistro movie theater and Connor's Steak house. Across the street is Flemmings Steak House, The US Post office, Nick's French Restaurant, the popular Baker & Wife restaurant. South Gate also has Tuttle Bee Plaza, located at the intersection of Tuttle Road and Bee Ridge Road with an Office Max, TJ Max, Dollar Store and YouFit gym, Aqua Tots, Jersey Mike's subs, and Tasty Home Cooking restaurant. There is also another shipping area located west at the intersection of Webber Street and Beneva Road. This complex occupies all four corners of the intersection includes a wealth profesional services, bars and dining options, with highlights being The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill, Francesco's NY Pizzeria & Ristorante, and Guerrero's Bakery and Mexican Restaurant, Webber Hot Dogs, 8-Ball Lounge and the new Little Saigon Bistro.