The creation of Sarasota County in 1921 inspired intrigue and drama, pitting local economic rivals against one another. The civic leaders of the Sarasota district fought what they saw as an incompetent and biased Manatee County Commission for seven years to build the roads needed to support their ambitions for growth and prosperity before finally winning out. They encountered other challenges, including the great Florida land boom of the 1920s, the construction of the Tamiami Trail and even an unsolved murder, but Sarasotans persevered to realize their dreams and fulfill their economic ambitions. Dr. Frank Cassell recounts this dramatic history and the tales of the men and women who led the county independence movement.

Sarasota, a charming and unique city on the Gulf Coast, is still a small town in many ways. Today there are simply many more neighborhoods. This volume focuses on attractions, culture, and community from the 1940s to the present. Sarasota has many attractions besides beautiful beaches and boating waterways, including Mote Marine Laboratory, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, to name just a few. The Sarasota Opera House, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the West Coast Symphony, the Sarasota Ballet, and several small theaters contribute to this cultural mecca. During the time period covered here, hundreds of churches, schools, civic organizations, art colonies, and retirement homes have developed. Investors and entrepreneurs have greatly impacted the area, changing the architectural landscape, especially during the last 10 years, when development has had the most impact on the city skyline.

Silver Medal Florida Book Awards NonfictionIn the early 20th century, Bertha Palmer was one of the best-known and wealthiest women in America. She was an art collector, women's rights advocate, businesswoman, owner of Chicago's Palmer House Hotel, and had elegant homes in Chicago, Paris, and London. In 1910 she traveled to the small and rough settlement called Sarasota on the west coast of Florida. For some reason, she decided to spend much of each year for the rest of her life on one of America's last frontiers, investing in cattle and farming, creating communities out of marshlands, pine forests, and tropical jungles. The society queen and social reform advocate excelled as a frontier entrepreneur, just as she had in every other endeavor in her life. She managed to make a good deal of money and to change Sarasota forever.

It all started with an online Facebook group called "Remember in Englewood When...." Locals would post old photos along with wonderful recollections of life back in the 50s, 60s and 70s in this small Florida community. As I read people's stories for a while, I noticed one of the contributors stood out from the others. His writing style was unique. His recall was remarkable. And he was prolific. I enjoyed reading story after story; I felt I was right there next to him growing up in the 50s and 60s. The writer was Monty Birdsey.Having enjoyed reading his stories for many months, I asked Monty if he would like to put his writings together into a book. He loved the idea, especially as a family remembrance. Sadly, just a few weeks later, Monty, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer, passed on. Growing up in the 50s and 60s was a special time for Monty and his friends as it was for many of us "baby-boomers" living in small towns all across America.Monty tells his stories in his own words without flare or fanfare. When you read the stories, you will come to know his love for family, friends and community. His writing style provides a window for the reader to learn about small town life in mid-century America and, for us boomers, an opportunity to re-experience our childhood years.So, this is Monty's book. I hope you enjoy his stories as much as I do.

Images of America: Sarasota County Islands and Beaches explores the history of the area and its pioneers, developers, and residents. Sarasota County's island and beach communities, including Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Venice, and Manasota Key, provide beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and lush vegetation. The beaches offer natural beauty, where sugar-white sand, fishing, and boating abound. In the late 1800s, settlers and developers such as John Savarese, John Casey, and Frank Higel arrived, allowing later developers like Bertha Palmer, Harry Higel, and John Ringling to build housing, farms, and businesses. In the 1920s, the land boom brought thousands of people to the area. This ended with the Great Depression, which depopulated many of the islands until the beginning of World War II brought an army airbase and other regional activity started developing this coastal region.