There is no mistaking the fact that one of the highlights of visiting, or living in, Sarasota is a trip to St. Armands Circle. With its eclectic shops, delectable restaurants, and regular special events, there is certainly a lot to see, do, and taste. But there is more to Lido Key than merely the Circle.

Technically, St. Armands is its own key, distanced from Lido by a canal that is well used by boating residents. And to get the best perspective of what island living is really about, you really have to do it from the water. Fortunately, by heading to the south of Lido Key on Boulevard of the Presidents, you have grand opportunities to do just that. The north parking lot at Ted Sperling Park regularly features kayak rentals, and if you really want

Buying a house, for most people, is one of life’s biggest transactions. Few people buy homes on a whim, and even fewer buy more than one or two in a lifetime. Buying a home is an important decision, one that requires the buyer to ask all sorts of questions.

Are you looking to invest your time, money, and energy into a fixer-upper? Do you want a move-in ready home with a shiny chef’s kitchen? Are you thinking about having that second child in the future? Do you need home office space? An extra bedroom for your nomad sister when she visits? Are you firm on what you’ll pay for a house? Are you a first home buyer? Will you be getting a VA loan? 

If figuring out what you require isn’t enough, you then have to communicate your needs to your Realtor.

I've written before about the benefits of living in a gated community, but people often ask me which gated communities I recommend. Truth be told, there aren't many communities in Sarasota that I can't recommend, but there are a few that have some added perks that really make them feel like home for a lot of people. So let me tell you about some of the finer features our various gated communities have to offer.

1. The Venetian Golf and River Club is more than just a community, it's a brilliant development. Located just east of I-75 and north of Venice, Florida, it boasts 600 lush acres devoted to conservation areas, spectacular golf landscapes, native wildlife habitats, wetlands, and sparkling lakes, along with a breathtaking 70-acre nature park. For