Saunders Best

Fall/Winter 2020

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

MARKET TRENDS

CULTURAL GUIDE

VACATION

365 You’re closer to home than you think.

Check out Lakewood Ranch online or in person, and you’ll see why it’s the best-selling community in the country for all ages.

You won’t want to leave!

SHOPPING, DINING, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | PARKS & TR AILS | 20+ VILL AGES TO CHOOSE FROM SOCIAL AND SPORTS CLUBS | GOLF & R ACQUET SPORTS | THRIVING BUSINESS COMMUNIT Y A-R ATED SCHOOLS | NAMED BEST HEALTH & FITNESS COMMUNIT Y *

NEW HOMES FROM THE $200S TO OVER $1 MILLION * *

*Ideal-Living 2020 Best of the Best Rankings. **Prices subject to change without notice. © 2020 Lakewood Ranch

.com

Dear readers, M

uch has happened since our spring issue of SaundersBest.

In the days since – we’ve all been touched by the Covid-19 pandemic causing great heartache while affecting worldwide economic conditions. It is heartbreaking to see the toll of personal loss and financial hardship that this pandemic has caused.

Like so many of our neighbors around the globe - for us at Michael Saunders & Company - it has been a period of great adjustment.

As real estate was deemed to be an “essential service,” we took the necessary precautions mandated by government guidelines to keep our people and customers safe. It changed the way we did and continue to do business.

Undoubtedly, it made us focus more on what’s important in life – time with family, reaching out to friends and treasuring memories.

The effect of Covid-19 on our local real estate market turned our seasons upside down. With so much pent-up demand, a typical slower summer season turned into a robust spring-like selling season. Our agents responded by adapting to strong buyer demand utilizing video showings and virtual tours. In many cases, they secured contracts for properties sight unseen often with multiple offers due to limited inventory.

Although we remain encouraged by the strong demand in our market – what we are most proud of was how our agents responded to the pandemic and safely took care of our customers and our community.

They worked hard to provide sound guidance to customers while also

lending a hand in feeding our healthcare heroes across the community – helping many local restaurants as a result.

Inside this edition, we focus on our connections – to one another, to our community and to our homes. We welcome new neighbors – as we’ll likely continue to do into 2021 with more opting to work remotely in our lush tropical location. In “Serene spots” and “Six to savor” we explore the places our spirits find peace despite challenges – whether that means taking a meditative walk or enjoying some good oldfashioned comfort food.

The way we look at homes has also shifted. Preferences for more space both within and outside the home are important – with desired features such as large kitchens, home offices, inviting swimming pools, outdoor terraces and walkable neighborhoods. We invite you to explore a selection of homes across our beloved Gulf Coast, as well as, a special article on “Feather your nest” to discover some of the much soughtafter home features.

We are incredibly proud of our community and our agents.

Reminding us again that our business – above all – is about connecting and building relationships.

MICHAEL SAUNDERS

DRAYTON SAUNDERS

M I C H A E L S A U N D E R S . C O M / B L O G I N S TAG R A M . C O M / M I C H A E L S A U N D E R S R E FAC E B O O K . C O M / S A R A S O TA R E MICH AE LS AU N DE R S.CO M

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“The MSC Foundation and its commitment to utilizing a strong network of communityminded professionals to enact positive change is a true representation of the core values at Michael Saunders & Company. We are proud of our team of agents and staff who give both time and resources to the communities we serve on the Gulf Coast.”

— DRAYTON SAUNDERS

The MSC Foundation CO M M I T T E D TO T H E CO M M U N I T Y

We love real estate, but it’s so much more than that.

Our 700 associates, leadership team and staff are stewards of this region, interacting and engaging with the local community daily.

When you choose one of our agents to represent your real estate needs, you allow us the ability to give to those in need through the MSC Foundation.

The MSC Foundation mission is to contribute to deserving non-profit organizations that provide shelter, sustenance, education and a path to self-sufficiency. Since its inception in 2011, it has funded more than $840,000 to 210-plus organizations – with a target to reach $1 million by 2021.

Together, we make a meaningful difference in our community.

Saunders|best

by Michael Saunders & Company FALL / WINTER 2020

Features 11 Feather your nest Make your home a haven with these luxurious features.

17 Serene spots Nature calls at these unspoiled Southwest Florida destinations.

20 Accolades Our region continues to rack up national awards.

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF DENIS LAUZON, SRQ PHOTO VIDEO

Departments 1 2 4 7 9

Welcome MSC Foundation Cover property My new hometown Six to savor

Lifestyles 21 Beach living 33 Waterfront living 47 City living 59 Island living 73 Suburban living 81 Golf living 91 New Home listings MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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Gulf-to-bay beauty MANASOTA KEY D6111105 $4,800,000 This Gulf-to-Bay architectural gem—a truly stunning and exceptional island property— was designed so that every detail enhances the natural beauty of the tropical landscape and its incredible vistas.

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COV E R P RO P E RT Y

MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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LONGBOAT KEY CLUB REDEFINING THE CLUB LIFESTYLE

Discover for yourself what makes Longboat Key Club the most coveted membership club in southwest Florida!

Come experience beautifully appointed interiors, all new restaurant, bar and outdoor dining options, renovated and expanded meeting space, along with world-class golf courses, award-winning Tennis Gardens, luxurious Spa, fitness, and a full-service marina.

For a private tour, call 941.387.1661 or email Membership@LongboatKeyClub.com

JUST ASK MICHAEL

“I have known Michael [Saunders] for years; she was on our board, and she would always talk about Sarasota. When I retired two years ago, I thought I’d spend some winters in Florida. I went to Naples first, and Michael said, ‘Why would you do that?’ She was right; Sarasota seems more authentic, less seasonal. And the people here are so warm and congenial.”

WEST IS BEST

Pam O’Connor

“Florida’s west coast has gained a lot of appeal in recent years. It’s more centrally located than south Florida; it’s an easy drive to Atlanta. You have the beautiful waterfront and the beaches and communities with a nice mix of yearround and seasonal residents. The natural environment is beautiful and there are lots of opportunities to do things outdoors.

The theater and arts are a top attraction in Sarasota, like they are in Chicago. I really enjoy the theater and will be glad when all venues are open once again.”

HOME ON THE RANCH

My new hometown

NICOLE HOUSER

G l o b a l re a l e s t a te s t a r P a m O ’Co n n o r e m b r a ce s l i f e i n L a kewo o d R a n c h .

After 21 years as CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World—a global network of some 550 companies with 140,000 agents in 75 countries, including Michael Saunders & Company—Pam O’Connor left Chicago to put down roots in Manatee County. “The things I like to do have a lot to do with friends and family,” she says, “and when many of my best friends began leaving Chicago, a good friend who had moved here a year ago caught me in a weak moment. I bought a house a few blocks away from her.” O’Connor will continue to manage her international real estate consulting firm, which she founded after retiring two years ago, from her new home in Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch.

“Lakewood Ranch is a good spot for me.

I enjoy the water, and my house is on a little manmade lake. I love to walk, and in this community it’s easy to do. I enjoy the serenity of golf courses after many years of following my daughter, who played college golf. I may even surprise her and take lessons! And Lakewood Ranch is so accessible; you can be downtown, at the beaches in 20 or 25 minutes, and in Tampa or St. Petersburg, where I have other friends, in an hour.”

COME ON DOWN

“The nice thing about Florida is you have a lot of people who want to visit here, especially in the wintertime. I tease my friends you’ve got to get on the list!”

MI CHA ELS AU N DER S.CO M

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Window Treatments • Shutters • Custom Draperies Smart Motorized Shades • Blinds • Bedspreads

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941-342-0900

Showroom: UTC SQ, Home Depot Shopping Center

5405 University Pkwy, Sarasota

Open Mon - Fri 9-5 • Sat 10-3 • Family Owned & Operated Since 1994

M o r to n ’s G o ur m e t M a r ke t

This multitasking Southside Village hotspot is a grocery, a produce market, a wine shop, baker, butcher and take-out restaurant that serves a multitude of hot and cold entrees, salads, pizzas, sushi and more. Fill your picnic basket and find a shady spot at Sarasota’s beautiful Bayfront Park, where you can admire dolphins and yachts, watch runners and dog walkers, and maybe even groove to reggae music from nearby O’Leary’s tiki hut. mortonsmarket.com

M a t t i so n ’s Ri ve r w a lk G r ille

Winding along downtown Bradenton’s riverfront, Riverwalk offers sensational views, great people-watching, a kids’ splash park and more. Settle into one of the linear park’s intimate, shaded outdoor living rooms, complete with comfortable seating, for a night to remember. On the menu: a full-fledged feast from Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille (standouts include the goat cheese bruschetta, sushi and Joyce Farms “Duck Two Ways”). Hostess hint: bring your own white tablecloth and some battery-operated candles. mattisons.com Pin k G a to r Ca fé

Star Fish Company

Six to savor

To p s p o t s to o rd e r a n d e n j oy a p i c n i c .

Tourist-attraction food often satisfies hunger rather than tastebuds, but the fare at Myakka River State Park’s Pink Gator Café is tasty— and fun. Let the kids order hot dogs and burgers; you'll want the from-scratch gator bites or the hearty seafood gumbo. Grab a craft beer and snag an outdoor table overlooking Myakka Upper Lake, a wide blue expanse fringed with green oak and palm hammocks and teeming with sunning alligators. For dessert? A Key lime milkshake, of course. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakkariver-state-park

EVERETT DENNISON

Th e Ri n g l i n g M u se um N ew l in ’s

St a r F i s h Co m pa ny

The brainchild of a former lobsterman and his wife, this gourmet shop in stylish Boca Grande is famous for seafood, including its wildly popular lobster rolls. (One recent visitor reports waiting behind Tom Brokaw to order hers). Add a salad or two—the kale is a standout—along with some gourmet cheese and crackers and head to Gasparilla Island State Park to picnic by the lighthouse. Before you leave, though, check out their chic home accessories. 941.964.2985

It doesn’t get any more Old Florida than enjoying sensational seafood in the historic fishing village of Cortez. The cooks treat their fresh catch with brilliant simplicity, turning out flaky grilled grouper, crunchy-soft fried oysters, and the world’s best hushpuppies.

Pick up your meal (cash only) and take a seat on the docks. Best time: sunset, when the bay, mangrove islands, and fishing boats glow with shades of pink, purple and gold. starfishcompany.com

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is famed for its Baroque masterpieces, but its 66 acres of lushly landscaped bayfront grounds and gardens are a masterpiece as well. Grounds admission is only $5, and free on Mondays. The museum’s main restaurant is currently closed, but they’re offering a topnotch picnic lunch, with a choice of salads, wraps, sandwiches and more. Add a glass of wine and settle under a banyan tree for a romantic interlude; if you brought the kids, picnic next to the Bolger Play Space. ringling.org MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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Feather your nest

MAKE YOUR HOME A HAVEN WITH THESE LUXURIOUS FEATURES.

F

OR MANY OF US, THE MEANING OF “HOME” HAS CHANGED DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME. Our homes have become more than places to sleep and recharge between work and school or financial investments.

Instead, they’re multitasking centers of family life—our schools, our workplaces, our playgrounds, and our sanctuaries. In the process, we’ve redefined what makes a home luxurious. Right now, luxury isn’t necessarily about showy bells and whistles; it’s about security, solace, and comfort. We want—we need—our homes to nurture, entertain, and even inspire us.

Outdoor escapes

Spending time outside in beautiful Southwest Florida is an instant stress reducer and source of joy. And thanks to our balmy weather and sea breezes, you can enjoy outdoor living most of the year. Lavish outdoor spaces are a hallmark of the region’s luxury homes, from architecture that blends indoors and outdoors to gorgeous pools and decks, patios, and porches with big-screen TVs, fireplaces, and comfy, custom-made furniture. Outdoor kitchens come with high-tech grills, pizza ovens, ice makers, hibachi griddles, and dazzling design details such as exotic-wood decking, teak-edged cabinets, and counters topped with quartz and faced with glass, stone, or mirror.

Any gardener will tell you that caring for your plants can relax you, and home gardens are on the rise across the country. Local nurseries tell us people are buying and planting more herbs and vegetables; they’re also creating other specialized gardens, including those that attract colorful butterflies and birds.

The sounds and sight of water can soothe the most troubled soul. Our region offers Gulf, bay, river, and lake views, each with its own charms, and what nature doesn’t supply, human ingenuity can. Manmade ponds, waterfalls, 12

F E AT H E R YO U R N EST

and other bubbling features grace many gardens, while misters keep things fresh and cool. We’re also famous for over-the-top pools and spas, with features from water slides, stone grottos, and infinity edges to swim-up cocktail bars and “lazy rivers” that wind and rush through expansive backyards. There’s even a TV show about the extravagant pools built by a Sarasota company—Insane Pools, on Animal Planet.

For every trend, of course, there’s a countertrend, and pool designers say they’re beginning to get requests for smaller, simpler pools that are seamlessly integrated into the home’s architecture and serve as quiet places for repose and reflection. Pools are getting shallower, too; some have submerged shelves that enable you to lounge in a foot of water.

The final touch, and one that’s too often overlooked: lighting. The right lights can add safety and drama to your outdoor space. Lighting designers like to install multiple light sources, from wall-mounted and path lights to trees draped in sparkling white lights and flickering outdoor fireplaces. For waterfront owners, glowing underwater dock lights attract and illuminate fish, shrimp, and other marine life, providing hours of evening entertainment.

Expansive kitchens

People are buying more food, cooking more, and eating most meals at home. And everybody in the family is getting into the act— like the 12-year-old who spent his months off from Sarasota’s Pine View School for the Gifted fermenting Kombucha, perfecting pizza crust, and baking endless batches of chocolate-chip cookies. All that activity requires more counter space, more appliances, bigger pantries, and more seating.

Among the Gulf Coast kitchen trends recently highlighted in Sarasota Magazine: high-tech features like touchless faucets, ovens that turn on from your phone and automated cabinets doors; expanded refrigerator space, as families make fewer shopping trips and buy in bulk; storage spaces for all the new blenders, stand mixers, air fryers and instant pots; expansive islands with lots of seating—and charging outlets for multiple phones.

And with so much going on in the kitchen, design gurus advise keeping the bones of the room clean and simple—flat cabinet doors, minimal hardware, and neutral or solid colors. As one design expert told the magazine, “Less is definitely more right now.”

Fitness rooms

Home gyms were already on the rise, but the shutdown accelerated their popularity. Dumbbells, weight benches, and other workout equipment were back-ordered, as customers carved out space at home to stay energized and in shape. Sign of the times: the New York Post reports that a floorplan for a pricey new one-bedroom co-op on Manhattan’s Upper West Side shows a “Peleton area” where the buyers can pedal away on the $2,245 exercise bike. That space might previously have been called a foyer.

Home gyms here are bigger, with space for varied equipment, yoga mats, and even “recovery” areas like spas and small massage rooms.

Whatever your space, keep the design simple and serene, maybe with some soothing water features and natural accents.

Get smart

You may already have a smart security system and a doorbell that shows you who’s at your door no matter where you are. But that’s just a sliver of the sophisticated technology that can make your home safer, easier—and more fun.

Hollywood was an early adapter of smart technology.

Oprah Winfrey has a radiant heat system that melts the snow on the driveway of her winter home, and actress Sofia Vergara’s smart home lets her watch movies in her personal theater and use a mega-screen for her social media and Skype calls. Mark Zuckerberg has a customized app that serves as his butler—voiced by actor Morgan Freeman.

But you don’t have to be a movie star or mega-mogul to have a smart home. With the right connected devices and for a relatively affordable price, you can keep your home secure and enjoy endless entertainment options. You can lock your doors from afar, listen to any music you choose, instruct a voice assistant to research your next big work project, schedule a dry-cleaning pick-up, adjust the air conditioning, and much more. Our region has top-quality professionals who have created ultra-smart homes for high-profile tech entrepreneurs, sportscasters, and retired corporate executives and can do the same for you.

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F E AT H E R YO U R N EST

Personalized home offices

Sales of home improvement items rocketed by 71 percent during the first month of the pandemic, and they’re still surging. A good chunk of that spending has gone to create workspaces for both adults and kids. In smaller homes, designers are converting nooks and closets into tightly designed work stations. And despite the long-held rule that bedrooms are only for sleeping and relaxing, The New York Times reports that desks are appearing in bedrooms in upscale Manhattan apartments, not only because of space constraints but because people want their technology close to them all the time.

In the Gulf Coast’s more spacious homes, offices tend to be stand-alone rooms, with some couples requiring separate his-and-her offices. With all the distractions and demands of working at home, it can be hard to focus, so everything you can do to keep your office inviting

and efficient helps. Investing in a good desk chair is paramount, as anyone who spent the shutdown hunched over a computer in a back-wrenching chair at the kitchen table can testify. Also, consider adding a comfortable lounge chair for reading and reflection.

And don’t feel constrained by traditional office design.

Your home office can express your personality, whether that’s sleek and streamlined or warm and quirky. The more wires and cables you can tuck out of sight, the better. Today’s office furniture offers ingenious ways to hide tech equipment, or you can stash it in a closet.

Still want to keep your work separate from your home? An Arizona company, Dwelitto, is selling prefab offices between 64 and 112 square feet large that you can install in your back yard. They cost from $8,000 to $17,000 and can run on solar power—although until they also include air conditioning, we doubt we’ll see many in Southwest Florida.

Designer Lighting • Fine Furniture • Custom Upholstery Window Treatments • Rugs & Accessories Two Spectacular Showroom Locations: The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota 941-484-4205 C O A S TA L S E R E N I T Y

Design & Lighting

909 S. Tamiami Trail Nokomis 941-484-4205

www.CoastalSerenityDesign.com

PONCE DE LEON PARK. Head west

through the charming Charlotte County city of Punta Gorda until it meets the miles-wide Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Inlet and you’ll find this popular 10-acre public park. There’s something to please all interests here: a boat ramp, fishing piers, quarter-acre mangrove boardwalk, playground, picnic pavilion, small sandy beach for prime sunset watching, and even an openair chapel. The Peace River Wildlife Center is located here, too; a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates sick and orphaned animals.

OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK. Right off

NATURE CALLS AT THESE UNSPOILED SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

busy Tamiami Trail, midway between Sarasota and Venice, this 1,400-acre oasis offers 15 miles of hiking trails through hardwood hammocks and scrubby flatwoods (two of those trails are wheelchair accessible), a canoe and kayak launch on lovely South Creek, and ranger-led eco-activities galore.

Oscar Scherer is one of the only places where you can attempt to spot the endangered Florida scrub jay; less than two dozen of the friendly little blue-and-gray birds are known to live in the park. The park visitor center is currently closed and public events— like the Sunday morning guided scrub jay walks—are on hold, but the canoe and kayak launch, trails, and picnic areas are open for your enjoyment. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ oscar-scherer-state-park

DESTINATIONS.

EVERETT DENNISON

Serene spots Wide, white beaches, winding rivers, biking trails, and some of the most beautiful parks in Florida— no wonder people flock to our region in pursuit of the great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking to quietly commune with nature or to set off on a high-energy adventure, there are plenty of serene spots and experiences just for you. We picked eight that show off our area’s many natural wonders.

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NORTH LIDO BEACH. Our area has many

public beaches and, yes, Siesta Beach has deservedly won honors twice as America’s No. 1 beach. But we advise you to dodge the crowds and do as the locals do by heading instead to quiet North Lido Beach. A gorgeous stretch of sugar-white sand and a bounty of seabirds await you.

A stroll to its secluded northern tip at New Pass yields many seashells; the fishing is great if you’re so inclined; and it’s particularly nice for watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, it’s right off the bustling St. Armands Circle shopping and dining district so you can celebrate that sunset with an ice cream cone or frozen tropical beverage.

VENICE MUNICIPAL PIER. Refurbished in 2019 with long-lasting ipe wood decks and rails and sea turtle-friendly under-rail

lights that don’t impede views, this 720-foot long public pier jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico is open 24 hours a day for angling and for spectacular sunset views. No fishing license required. Didn’t bring fishing gear? No worries; Papa’s Bait Shop located mid-pier rents rods and reels and sells fresh and frozen bait. It also rents those “Florida snow shovels”—sieves attached to long poles that are perfect for hunting the fossilized shark’s teeth that wash ashore by the thousands on Venice beaches. venicegov.com/visiting/fishing-pier ROBINSON PRESERVE. This 600-acre saltwater marsh on the south side of the Manatee River is explorable by hiking,

biking or kayaking (kayak and paddleboard rentals can be found on-site). A scenic boardwalk opens up to stunning views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and there’s an observation tower for a birds-eye look at the coastal wetlands. New to the preserve in 2018, The Mosaic NEST (Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology) is an elevated treehouse education center with classrooms for environmental programs. robinsonpreserve.com

County has dozens of public parks and preserves, and Emerson Point Preserve, one of most spectacularly located, is on the far west end of Palmetto’s Snead Island, where the mile-wide Manatee River meets Terra Ceia Bay. Kayak and canoeing trails wind through the 365-acre county-owned recreation area, and fishermen will find plenty of access to the river and bay. Picnic pavilions, hiking trails, and an observation tower that rewards you with views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge also make this a popular outdoor destination. bradentongulfislands.com/places/168/ emerson-point-preserve 18

G REAT WAT E R ADV E N TUR E

CHAD SPENCER (2)

EMERSON POINT PRESERVE. Manatee

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT. This 30-acre “living history

museum” on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey is an homage to 5,000 years of Southwest Florida history—from the indigenous people who were its first inhabitants to the 19th-century pioneers who operated a citrus packing house on the property to the Chicago socialite Bertha Palmer, who built her winter estate here at the turn of the 20th century (her Duchene Lawn, with its classical portal set in a grassy field rimmed by palms, is a sight to behold). Walks along the bayfront and through Mrs. Palmer’s fern walk and sunken garden are exceedingly pleasant. Historic Spanish Point last spring became the southern campus of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and we hear that even more amenities are in store. selby.org/ hsp/visit-historic-spanish-point

JIM NEVILLE MARINE PRESERVE. Launch a kayak at Turtle

Beach on the southernmost tip of Siesta Key and explore the calm, shallow waters of this 35-acre aquatic preserve in Little Sarasota Bay, named for a beloved late local environmentalist. Mangrove islands dot the bay, providing a rich habitat for fish and other marine species and nesting for birds, from stately blue herons and roseate spoonbills to hooting owls. Most days, you’re likely to spot manatees and dolphins, including some that will swim right next to your kayak. Take a break at Palmer Point Beach, a beautiful stretch of shore that connects Siesta and Casey keys and is accessible only by foot or water. Whether you come for sunset or just to swim and play, you’ll be dazzled by the clear blue-green water, sweeping views, and splendid isolation.

NICOLE HOUSER

THE CELERY FIELDS. A popular stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, this 300-acre public park in east Sarasota County attracts

flocks of birders from all over the world. Its open marshlands, deep ponds, and canals make it a mecca for bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, purple gallinules, and dozens of other species. Walkers love to tackle the trail that winds up the big “mountain” at its center (we use this word loosely; this is Florida, after all). The Sarasota Audubon Society built a lovely nature center at the Celery Fields five years ago and offers guided nature walks and classes during season. sarasotaaudubon.org

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Sarasota was named both the No. 1 Best Place to Retire and among the top 20 Most Desireable Places to Live in the U.S. News and World Report.

Accolades

OUR REGION CONTINUES TO RACK UP NATIONAL AWARDS.

Siesta Beach is the No. 1 Top Beach in the U.S. and No. 11 in the world in TripAdvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards. No stranger to big awards, Siesta Beach also was named Best Beach in America in 2017 by coastal expert Stephen P. Leatherman (aka “Dr. Beach”) and the second-best by TripAdvisor in 2018.

Sarasota was ranked No. 5 in the Best Small Cities in America by Conde Nast Traveler in 2018.

Venice ranks No. 3 in USA Today’s 2020 list of 10 Best Coastal Small Towns, and Coastal Living named it 6th Best Beach Town for Retirement (Sarasota ranks No. 7).

Sarasota was named both the No. 1 Best Place to Retire in 2020 and among the 20 Most Desirable Places to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. In south Sarasota County, Venice was named one of the top spots to retire in 2018 by Where to Retire magazine and the 14th Best City for Seniors to Retire in 2017 by GoodCall.com.

Coastal Living named North Port-SarasotaBradenton one of the 10 Happiest and Healthiest Places to Live in 2019.

Sarasota is No. 1 in FloridaForBoomers.com’s 2020 list of 25 Best Places to Retire in Florida.

WalletHub named Sarasota No. 6 in its list of Best Beach Towns to Live In. Sarasota was named a 2019 Market to Watch by Unique Homes blog.

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M ICH AELS AU ND E R S.CO M

Venice in 2020 was named one of the Top 10 Places to Live on the Coast by Coastal Living.

Lakewood Ranch was recognized in the “Top 100 Planned Communities” and “Best Golf Communities” categories in 2018 by idealLIVING magazine.

Boca Grande was named one of the World’s Top 12 Tarpon Destinations by Salt Water Sportsman magazine.

Lots of accolades for the area’s cultural institutions and schools: Ringling College of Art and Design was named to the Top 25 American Film Schools in 2018 by The Hollywood Reporter.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall was named—for the fifth time—the No. 1 performing arts hall in North America in its size category.

USA Today named Marie Selby Botanical Gardens the No. 1 botanical garden to visit, and Ed Smith Stadium Florida’s No. 1 spring training stadium in Spring 2019. And Selby Gardens was ranked No. 2 in Veranda magazine’s “Best Botanical Gardens to Visit in Florida.”

Coastal Living named North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton one of the 10 Happiest and Healthiest Places to Live in 2019.

Punta Gorda was named one of America’s Fastest-Growing Retirement Hot Spots by Realtor.com.

Sarasota was named Best City for Vegans in America by Rent.com.

Beach living

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BE AC H L I V I NG

Beachfront Oasis LONGBOAT KEY A4458696 $8,900,000 Extraordinary finishes mark this exceptional new West Indies-style home, which offers expansive sunset-view terraces overlooking the Gulf. It is located in Bonaire, an exclusive gated Gulf-front community of just nine homes.

M ICH AE LS AU N DE R S . COM

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Classic beachfront BOCA GRANDE D6110580 $5,500,000 A palm-lined drive leads to this classic island home, peaceful and secluded on over 1.5 acres, and one of only nine Gulf-front lots enviably situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico in this North Shores beachfront neighborhood.

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B E AC H LI V I NG

Paradise Found SIESTA KEY A4461841 $4,000,000 Welcome to paradise, where a canopy tree-lined street escorts you to the tropically landscaped gardens of this private Gulf-front compound, the sought-after feel of “Old Florida� has been preserved and is the perfect spot to host family and friends.

M ICH AE LS AUN DE R S . COM

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MANASOTA KEY D6102277 $3,500,000

SIESTA KEY A4474527 $3,500,000

LIDO KEY A4448727 $2,990,000 26

B E AC H LI V I NG

CASEY KEY A4433892 $2,800,000

LIDO KEY A4462621 $2,699,000

SIESTA KEY A4452565 $2,475,000 M ICH AE LS AUN DE R S . COM

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SIESTA KEY A4438015 $2,450,000

SIESTA KEY A4430866 $1,800,000

PALM ISLAND D6110756 $1,699,000

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B E AC H LI V I NG

LIDO KEY A4451047 $1,685,000

LONGBOAT KEY A4453571 $1,349,000

MANASOTA KEY D6112097 $1,299,500

M ICH AE LS AUN DE R S . COM

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SIESTA KEY A4450660 $1,245,000

LONGBOAT KEY A4472056 $1,175,000

LIDO KEY A4469864 $974,999 30

B E AC H LI V I NG

SIESTA KEY A4469883 $950,000

LONGBOAT KEY A4450959 $925,000

SIESTA KEY A4474566 $870,000 MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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Waterfront living

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Modern classic CASEY KEY A4457320 $7,650,000 When you combine award-winning architecture with an extraordinary location the result is pure perfection.

Welcome to West Wind, a modern masterpiece gracing the coveted north end of Casey Key. Designed by New York architect and former Harvard architecture department chair Toshiko Mori, this home is a curated study in how to create awe-inspiring spaces using natural surroundings.

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B E AC H L IV IN G

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Showstopping elegance SIESTA KEY A4456224 $6,300,000 Walls of windows towering 24 feet high bring you showstopping Sarasota Bay and downtown city skyline views from the best vantage in Sarasota.

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WAT E R FRO N T LI V I NG

Penthouse perfection SARASOTA A4476458 $5,975,000 This stunning, private, exceptionally appointed Ritz-Carlton penthouse sits high above Sarasota Bay, offering sparkling water views from every major room.

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Splendor on the bay LONGBOAT KEY A4458496 $3,850,000 An impeccable bayfront residence in Sandhamn Place, a gated sanctuary of nine custom-designed waterfront homes, all enjoying expansive views of Sarasota Bay, with its own community marina, tennis court and beach access.

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WAT E R FRO N T LI V I NG

SARASOTA A4458742 $3,650,000

SIESTA KEY A4464297 $3,000,000

SARASOTA A4450447 $2,699,000 MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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HOLMES BEACH A4469255 $2,550,000

LONGBOAT KEY A4477910 $2,100,000

SIESTA KEY A4476899 $2,000,000 40

WAT E R FRO N T LI V I NG

LONGBOAT KEY A4470551 $1,900,000

HOLMES BEACH A4478680 $1,375,000

SIESTA KEY A4460714 $1,300,000 MICH AE LS AUN DE R S . COM

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SIESTA KEY A4470659 $1,200,000

PLACIDA D6102528 $1,170,000

PALM ISLAND D6113929 $1,125,000 42

WAT E R FRO N T LI V I NG

City living

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The Ultimate In Privacy SARASOTA A4471300 $4,300,000 The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences delivers the ultimate in privacy, luxury and five-star service, located on the Bay and culturally attractive downtown Sarasota, with gorgeous panoramic views.

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CIT Y LI V I NG

High Style Downtown SARASOTA A4471072 $3,950,000 This stylish, expansive Ritz-Carlton Residence, designed for the host who enjoys gracious entertaining, combines two residences and offers captivating views overlooking Sarasota Bay.

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CIT Y L I V I N G

Waterfront Serenity SARASOTA A4425602 $3,849,000 This sophisticated custom residence is set on the widest banks of Hudson Bayou in tranquil and highly desirable Bay Point Park, conveniently close to the art, culture and fantastic restaurants downtown Sarasota has to offer.

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SARASOTA A4469606 $2,795,000

SARASOTA A4449930 $2,795,000

SARASOTA A4449717 $2,775,000 48

CIT Y LI V I NG

SARASOTA A4462953 $2,549,000

SARASOTA A4471966 $2,499,000

SARASOTA A4455791 $2,399,000 MICH AE LS AU N DE R S.CO M

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BRADENTON A 4461744 $2,300,000

SARASOTA A4476264 $2,250,000

SARASOTA A4477754 $2,200,000 50

CIT Y LI V I NG

SARASOTA A 4454405 $2,100,000

SARASOTA A4464022 $1,945,000

SARASOTA A4466306 $1,895,000 M ICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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SARASOTA

A4470350 $1,890,000

SARASOTA A4468766 $1,875,000

SARASOTA A4450313 $1,790,000 52

CIT Y LI V I NG

BRADENTON A4445951 $1,600,000

SARASOTA A4476645 $1,495,000

BRADENTON A4459974 $899,900 MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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SARASOTA A4450434 $895,000

SARASOTA A4476598 $839,900

SARASOTA A4477340 $725,000 54

CIT Y LI V I NG

Island living

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Hidden paradise SIESTA KEY A4476449 $8,290,000 A hidden paradise on Siesta Key, this immaculately designed residence is set on over 2.5 acres on its own peninsula with 389 feet of bay frontage along Little Sarasota Bay. An adjacent platted, buildable lot of 1.2 acres is included.

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BE AC H L IV IN G

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Breathtaking Boca Grande BOCA GRANDE D6112331 $6,700,000 Breathtaking Gasparilla Sound views showcase this spectacular Mediterranean estate, poised atop two acres of artfully designed gardens and grounds.

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I S LA N D L IV IN G

Gulf-front haven SIESTA KEY A4476395 $5,250,000 Built to the highest Florida Green Building Coalition standards, this private Gulf-front haven is set 14.2 feet above sea level to appreciate rolling waves gently lapping against the rocks and sandy shoreline below.

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Tropical oasis SIESTA KEY A4469766 $4,950,000 Enjoy a lush, hidden setting minutes from the best beach in the United States in a residence that unites classic architecture with breathtaking, full views and direct boating access to Sarasota Bay.

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I S LA N D L IV IN G

Casual elegance LONGBOAT KEY A4477572 $3,875,000 This casually elegant custom-designed residence is in exclusive gated Lighthouse Point, a peninsula nestled on a deep-water boat basin at the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway and New Pass.

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Old Florida ambience CASEY KEY A4475037 $3,500,000 This exquisite Gulf to Bay property is located on highly desirable North Casey Key, with one-plus acres beautifully treed with magnificent old oaks and specimen plants.

Gracious bayfront living CASEY KEY A4473937 $2,990,000 An expansive gated estate residence on an ideal bayfront lot with excellent boating water and private deeded beach access across the street, completely walled, a ultra-private escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

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SIESTA KEY A4475634 $2,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY A4474211 $2,575,000

LIDO KEY A4417010 $2,445,000

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I S LA N D L IV IN G

HOLMES BEACH A4468151 $2,350,000

SARASOTA A4472251 $2,200,000

BOCA GRANDE D6103458 $2,075,000 MICH AE L SAU ND E RS . CO M

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SIESTA KEY A4473029 $1,995,000

SIESTA KEY A4423999 $1,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY A4470962 $1,990,000 66

I S LA N D L IV IN G

HOLMES BEACH A4469001 $1,799,000

MANASOTA KEY D6112093 $1,699,000

SIESTA KEY A4433238 $1,690,000

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SIESTA KEY A4476326 $1,475,000

SIESTA KEY A4475882 $1,475,000

SARASOTA A4473322 $1,380,000 68

I S LA N D L IV IN G

Suburban living

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Bayfront Investment Opportunity NOKOMIS A4477590 $4,450,000 Set on over 300 feet of bayfront. The owner is nearing zoning approval for the property to be subdivided into three separate buildable parcels.

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B E AC SU B UH R BLAN IVIN LIGV I NG

Serene Woodland Estate SARASOTA A4471346 $3,250,000 Experience true tranquility in this handsome Arthur Rutenberg model, poised on over three acres of serene woodland and updated in 2020.

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Coastal Masterpiece NOKOMIS A4468272 $2,995,000 Set on over half an acre in a private enclave of just 11 homes, this luxurious coastal residence, rebuilt in 2009, offers incomparable water views from almost every room.

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SU BUR B AN LI V I NG

Lakefront Elegance LAKEWOOD RANCH A4464715 $2,495,000 Located in the prestigious Lake Club, this custom-built home has expansive lake view, with a charming Venetian-inspired canal and bridge adjacent to the property providing privacy and seclusion.

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4470975 $2,090,000

SARASOTA A4424299 $1,999,995

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4474674 $1,595,000 74

SU B U R B AN L I V I N G

PORT CHARLOTTE D6113597 $$1,424,999

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4453287 $1,195,000

SARASOTA A4476270 $998,500 M ICH AE LS AU N DE R S.CO M

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SARASOTA A4476383 $915,000

ENGLEWOOD D6111512 $899,900

SARASOTA $164,500 - $499,800 Offering security, privacy and a climate-controlled environment, each unit has a bathroom and space to add a loft, cabinets, car lift, artist studio or almost anything you desire.

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SU B U R B AN L I V I N G

Golf living

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Concession Club Grandeur BRADENTON A4475594 $10,850,000 Celebrate your own slice of paradise in this breathtaking, nearly 18,000-square-foot Italianate estate, a welcoming place of shelter and security, beauty and tranquility on three and a half lushly landscaped acres at The Concession Golf Club and Residences.

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BE AC H LI V I NG

Elegant Everyday Living LAKEWOOD RANCH A4472219 $1,795,000 Set on a nature preserve behind the gates of Lakewood Ranch Country Club, this home offers elegant everyday living with impeccable indooroutdoor living amenities.

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Exceptional Privacy OSPREY A4456557 $1,550,000 This custom-built residence, set on one of the most beautiful lots in The Oaks Clubside with a private setting and lake and golf beyond, has two separate offices and a bonus room ideal for home schooling.

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GO L F LI V I NG

LAKEWOOD RANCH A 4475329 $1,625,000

BRADENTON A4444895 $1,575,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4450793 $1,529,000 MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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LAKEWOOD RANCH A 4471864 $1,445,000

SARASOTA A4475545 $1,250,000

SARASOTA A4475001 $1,250,000 82

GO L F LI V I NG

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4475226 $1,250,000

BRADENTON A4461805 $1,185,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4470412 $1,150,000 MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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BRADENTON A4476605 $1,085,000

LONGBOAT KEY A4450959 $925,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4474607 $920,000 84

GO L F LI V I NG

OSPREY A4472373 $875,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH A4470201 $839,000

UNIVERSITY PARK A4474538 $835,000 MICH AE LS AUN DE R S.CO M

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Escape to Longboat Key

Amenity-rich beachfront & bayside resorts WEEKLY RENTALS | INTERVAL OWNERSHIP

B E A C H

WhiteSandsOfLongboat.com 5114 Gulf of Mexico Drive | Longboat Key, Florida 800.230.2428

C L U B

VerandaBeachClub.com 2509 Gulf of Mexico Drive | Longboat Key, Florida 800.411.5511

New homes living

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The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key FROM THE $2,000,000’s Preview Gallery Located at 100 S. Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236 Set on 800 feet of pristine white powdered sand beachfront, The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key are positioned to be the only bespoke Gulf front residences offering five-star resort amenities and world-renowned hospitality on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Residents will enjoy the exclusive services and amenities of the St. Regis including a resident-only clubhouse and wellness center, pool and sun deck.

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B E AC N W H OLIME V I NG LIVING

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota FROM THE $2,700,000’s Preview Gallery located at 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 Limitless views. Limited opportunity. This is the newest of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota, taking shape within the highly anticipated Quay, Sarasota. The Residences present unrivaled water views and levels of luxury on the downtown Bayfront. Delivery 4th Quarter 2020

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Mark Sarasota $929,000 111 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236 Mark Sarasota presents you with a walkable and effortlessly luxurious urban lifestyle with all the worldclass attractions Sarasota has to offer—from beaches and boating to arts and culture. This final residence offers a sleek retreat with an expansive terrace. Enjoy quartz countertops in the modern kitchen, porcelain floors throughout the residence and 10-foot ceilings offering downtown views.

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N E W H O ME L I V I N G

Sandhill Lake FROM THE HIGH $400,000's Models located at 7733 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241 Convenience, peace of mind and desirable design trends have been carefully integrated into Sandhill Lake’s single-family homes.

The gated community offers a Residents Club with heated resort style pool and spa, home lawn and landscape care, and fully customizable interior appointments.

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Palma Sola Bay Club FROM THE $300,000’s 3410 77th Street W., Bradenton, FL 34209 This gated condominium community hugs Palma Sola Bay in northwest Bradenton, just minutes from the beaches of Anna Maria Island. The tropical clubhouse inspires Florida fun, while energy-efficient residences surround family and guests with an open and stylish design.

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N E W H O ME LI V I NG

Edgewater at Hidden Bay FROM THE HIGH $400,000's 249 Hidden Bay Drive, Osprey, FL 34229 Nestled on Little Sarasota Bay conveniently located between Venice and Sarasota, this gated condominium community presents a leisurely lifestyle with an exquisite clubhouse to socialize, play and exercise. Desirable open concept floor plans blend indoor and outdoor living.

Risdon on 5th FROM THE HIGH $300,000’s Sales Gallery located at 425 Central Avenue, Sarasota FL 34236 Uniquely designed in a convenient downtown location, the residences at Risdon on 5th are move-in ready. Enjoy Saturday mornings at the Sarasota Farmers Market, discover handmade art and décor from local boutiques, or grab a latte at a local coffee shop all at your doorstep.

Riverside Point HOMESITES FROM THE MID $200,000’s HOMES FROM THE HIGH $500,000’s 5490 56th Court E., Bradenton, FL 34203 A gated community of riverfront homes that seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors. Riverside Point’s ideal location offers unparalleled access to downtown Sarasota and Bradenton. Enjoy sunrises over Braden River from your lanai, which set the scene for this incredible community of riverfront homes with private docks.

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N E W H O ME LI V I NG

Full-service means something different here.

Our network of services is designed to provide our agents and their clients with a solution at every step of the way.

• Industry veterans, skilled in matching the right customer with the right loan.

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• Collaboration with risk consultants to customize coverage based on the intricacies of each property.

We’re more than just a real estate agency.

INSURANCE PARTNERS

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Established commercial expertise Is this a good time to purchase commercial real estate?

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Which is a better option gross lease or triple net lease?

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What is a CAP rate?

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Our agents have the answers.

Whether you’re looking to lease or buy commercial property, ask the experts.

941.957.3730 | MSCCommercial.com | Property Management 941.363.6402

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N E W H O ME LI V I NG

©Michael Saunders & Company, Licensed Real Estate Broker

Michael Saunders & Company Branch Offices DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

LAKEWOOD RANCH

VENICE

RELOCATION

1605 Main Street, Suite 101 Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.951.6660

8325 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Bradenton, Florida 34202 941.907.9595

110 Nokomis Avenue North Venice, Florida 34285 941.485.5421

1801 Main Street Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.955.8200

RITZ-CARLTON, SARASOTA

WHITE SANDS OF LONGBOAT

PLANTATION & WEST VILLAGES

1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.364.8884

5114 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Florida 34228 800.230.2428 · 941.383.2428

490 Rockley Boulevard Venice, Florida 34293 941.493.2500

NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

SIESTA KEY

VERANDA BEACH CLUB

ENGLEWOOD

5100 Ocean Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34242 941.349.3444

2509 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Florida 34228 800.411.5511 · 941.383.5511

1200 South McCall Road Englewood, Florida 34223 941.473.7750

PALMER RANCH – SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY – MID

BOCA GRANDE

8660 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34238 941.966.8000

3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Florida 34228 941.383.5502

420 East Railroad Avenue Boca Grande, Florida 33921 941.964.2000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

LONGBOAT KEY SOUTH

DOWNTOWN PUNTA GORDA

6000 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, Florida 34217 941.896.9981

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Florida 34228 941.383.7591

101 Taylor Street Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 941.639.0000

BRADENTON

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE

BURNT STORE CORRIDOR

4400 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, Florida 34209 941.748.6300

61 South Boulevard of Presidents Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.388.4447

16480 Burnt Store Road Punta Gorda, Florida 33955 941.505.5555

IMG ACADEMY

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE II

MS&C COMMERCIAL

5500 34th Street West Bradenton, Florida 34210 941.752.2683

330 John Ringling Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.388.4447

100 South Washington Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.957.3730

100 South Washington Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.951.6650

MSC MORTGAGE 100 South Washington Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.308.2222

TITLE 40 North Osprey Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.552.5211

RENTAL DIVISION 1801 Main Street Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.552.4200

CORPORATE OFFICE 100 South Washington Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.953.7900

Find out more about our complimentary design services at ROBBSTUCKY.COM SARASOTA SHOWROOM: 7557 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 | (941) 702-8400 NAPLES • FORT MYERS • SARASOTA • CORAL GABLES • BOCA RATON

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