While Florida got its name from being a "festival of flowers," many residents are more appreciative of its fruits and veggies. Due to its tropical climate and the growing "foodie" trend, Florida is a great place to grow food, and several people are opting to forgo the traditional lawns and landscaping for gardens and edible plants. With a wide variety of annual and perennial plants, edible landscaping can help residents create a beautiful, abundant, and tasty Florida yard.

Whether you want to help save the planet or save money on your grocery bill, growing your own food may be the way to go. Commercial gardens use up to two to three times the amount of water as a home or community garden, and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every

Since Sarasota Magazine named Paver Park as one of its "Next Great Sarasota Neighborhoods," people have been realizing how much the neighborhood now commonly referred to as the "west of Tuttle" district has to offer. Paver Park was initially developed in the 1950's by Martin Paver, whose development motto was "build better than the building codes require and create a place where you would like to live and raise a family." Paver's vision has stood the test of time, as today the neighborhood features a wide diversity of families and housing options. Within walking distance to Downtown Sarasota and Payne Park, some of the original homes in the Ringling/Paver Park area have been restored to their original charm, while others have been razed for modern, energy

With the summer blockbusters out of the way, the next few months will see the release of a good number of the films that will be nominated for Oscars and other awards. The question is where you should go see them. Here is a little rundown on Sarasota's movie theaters and what you can expect from your visit.

Galleria Stadium 12 - If you're down in Venice, the Galleria is the go-to theater, largely because it's the only one. If you're looking for something a little more modern, you're going to have to come north.

AMC Sarasota 12 - Opened after the $50 million expansion of the Sarasota Square Westgate in 2006, these twelve theaters have stadium seating, large screens, and they're located right next to the food court if you'd like to sit down

Previously an area that many people overlooked, Arlington Park is now gaining in popularity. Most of the area was still orange groves and farmland when homes were first built in the area in the 1920's. Though it saw some continued development through the next few decades as Florida worked through the Great Depression, Arlington Park saw its next great explosion in the 1950's and 1960's, which account for many of the homes that comprise the neighborhood.  

Much of what people find so charming about Arlington Park are the bungalows and cottages built during this era, now refurbished and renovated. However, increasing its charm are the ranch-style homes that have been built in the meantime and the modern homes that have been more recently added.

For those who are looking for their dream home, one of the big questions is whether to buy one that's already on the market or build their own. Considering that a home is usually the single largest investment a person can make, it's not a decision that should be made lightly. I want to offer you a few of the bigger considerations to help you make the best educated decision you can.

Consider the Convenience

Purchasing a home that's already built is generally a much simpler process. After you get pre-approved for a home in your price range, you have the ability to shop around and pick out a home you think will work for you. If you have a good realtor working for you, it really helps to streamline the process, and once the deal is closed, it

Now that the improvements to Bee Ridge Road are nearing completion, Sarasota Springs is about to get a lot more popular. Only a few minutes from Downtown Sarasota and the University Town Center, this neighborhood boasts an extensive array of homes in a wide variety of price ranges.

To start off, the 3500-square foot home at 3211 E. Forest Lake Drive includes 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, a 3-car garage, and a detached in-law suite. With an asking price of $975,000, the kitchen comes complete with Bosch appliances and a gas range, the huge living room includes a fireplace, and the family room opens up to the screened in swimming pool and spa area. This spacious home sits on a ¾ acre lot with sprawling mature oak trees in the Old Forest Lakes community,

As we reported a couple of years ago, both the city and county of Sarasota are pretty dog-friendly places. According to BringFido.com, a website that highlights places where dogs are welcome, Sarasota has 194 restaurants that offer doggy dining, including El Greco and Cafe Epicure, two of my dog Nemo's favorites. And in addition to the off-leash Paw Parks we highlighted in 2015, a resolution was passed by the Sarasota County Commissioners last December which designated 71 local parks and preserves as “dog friendly,” meaning that you can bring your dogs as long as they're on a leash.

This is great news for dog owners in Sarasota. For most of us, our four legged friends are part of the family, and if you're like me, you like to take your dog with you

The eight-mile island of Casey Key is an exclusive tropical paradise featuring beautiful estates with mansions, modern homes, and old Florida charm.

While it is now considered home to some of the most coveted properties in Florida, Casey Key was once considered uninhabitable. Wild and overgrown, the island, formerly known as Chaise's Key, was surveyed and mapped out by John Casey, who was also commissioned to convince the Seminoles to relocate. Since Casey's map was published in 1856, the eight-mile-long island has been transformed into a lush tropical paradise where the rich and famous go to relax.

Casey Key Road is the only street, twisting its way through a subtropical canopy of old-growth oaks, pines and lush vegetation. However, although

Home automation and the Internet of Things is changing the way we live and design our homes.

As we move into the future, it seems more and more apparent that technology is the lead aspect of our everyday lives, especially when it comes to communication. The Internet of Things, or the “interconnection via the Internet of computer devices embedded in everyday objects,” has become so engrained in our daily lives that it seems impossible to live without it, or even choose to communicate without it. Therefore, it should be no surprise that even our homes can be interconnected, as the Internet of Things expands its reach to accomplish even the most mundane activities, such as turning on a light or adjusting the thermostat. Today we will highlight the

From income-generating rental properties to full-time waterfront residences, Siesta Key’s abundance of possibilities is irresistible!

Living near the water is an alluring temptation that Siesta Key deals in spades. From long-term getaways for snowbirds to full time residents, Sarasota Property Finders offers our clients a multitude of options of island living at its best. In just a few minutes or less from your doorstep, enjoy the white, pristine beaches of the Florida Gulf coast and the myriad of dining and shopping choices at Siesta Key Village.

Charming Beach Home in the Heart of Siesta Key

If you are searching for a full-time residence, look no further than 632 Calle de Peru. This gorgeous three bedroom, 4 bath home is located in the heart of