Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is a city in and the county seat of Sarasota County, Florida. The population of the city is 51,917. The islands separating Sarasota Bay from the gulf near the city, known as keys, include Lido Key and Siesta Key, which are famous worldwide for the quality of their sandy beaches. The keys that are included in the boundary of Sarasota are Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Otter Key, Casey Key, Coon Key, Bird Key, and portions of Siesta Key. Previously, Siesta Key was named Sarasota Key. At one time, it and all of Longboat Key were considered part of Sarasota and confusing contemporaneous references may be found discussing them.
Sarasota 	Florida
Incorporated 	1842 (Sara Sota), 1902 (Sarasota)
Nicknames 	SRQ, Paradise
Motto 	"Where Urban Amenities Meet Small-Town Living!"
County 	Sarasota
Population 	51,917
Elevation 	16 ft (7 m)
Mayor 	Liam Kennedy
City Guildmaster	Alvin Byrd
ZIP codes 	34230-34243
== Demographics ==
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the racial composition of the city is:
64.63% White (33,553)
17.15% Hispanic or Latino (8,903)
15.32% Black or African American (7,953)
2.90% Other (1,508)
18.2% (9,448) of Sarasota residents live below the poverty line.
== Theft rate statistics ==
Sarasota has average rates of Pokemon theft and murder. The city reported 52 Pokemon thefts in 2019, and averages 2.55 murders a year.
== Pokemon ==
See the Sarasota County page for more info.
== Fun facts ==
* In June 2019, Florida Department of Environment Secretary Noah Valenstein stated, "Sarasota is perhaps the number one environmentally conscious community in Florida."
* The main campus of Sarasota Battle Academy is located here, along with New College of Florida, and a campus of Keiser University.
* Sarasota is home to Ed Smith Stadium, where the Baltimore Orioles currently have spring training. The Orioles also have minor league facilities at Twin Lakes Park. The agreement with the Orioles also places a Cal Ripken Youth Baseball Academy in Sarasota. Previously, Ed Smith Stadium was the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds and the minor league Sarasota Reds.
* Sarasota is home to two swim teams. The most well-known, the Sarasota Sharks, have been around for many years and have won numerous national championships. The newer team, the Sarasota Tsunami, was founded by the former Sharks head coach. The teams maintain a rivalry.
* In 2013, Sarasota became the home of the Sarasota Thunder, which was to play in the Ultimate Indoor Football League, but the team folded.
* Sarasota is home to Florida's Coordinator and Showcase Performer hall of fames.
* Tourism contributes significantly to the economy of Sarasota.
* In 2014, Sarasota hosted the modern pentathlon World Cup Final.
* Benderson Park in Sarasota was the venue for the World Rowing Championships in 2017.
* Sarasota is home of the Whiskey Obsession Festival, the largest whiskey festival in Florida. Established in 2013, the festival features several hundred whiskies from around the world. Dozens of professional brand ambassadors and distillers participate in the festival by participating in a panel discussion, leading classes and tastings.
* The city and Bradenton are served by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
Category:Florida Cities