Early historical records
Europeans first explored the area in the early sixteenth century. The first recorded contact was in 1513, when a Spanish expedition landed at Charlotte Harbor, just to the south. Spanish was used by the natives during some of the initial encounters, providing evidence of earlier contacts.
Having been identified on maps by the mid-eighteenth century as Zara Zote,[10] perhaps from an indigenous name, the sheltered bay and its harbor attracted fish and marine traders. Soon there were fishing camps, called ranchos, along the bay that were established by both Americans and Cubans who traded fish and turtles with merchants in Havana. Florida changed hands between the Spanish, the English, and then the Spanish again.
After the 1819 acquisition of Florida as a territory by the United States and five years before it became a state in 1845, the army established Fort Armistead in Sarasota along the bay.
Things to do in Sarasota
2017 World Rowing Chamionships
The Ringling Museum
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Ca d'Zan Mansion
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Sarasota Opera
Cat Depot
Sailor Circus
Ed Smith Stadium
Marietta Museum - Art & Whimsey
Florida Studio Theatre
Myakka River State Park
Legacy Trail
Mote Marine
Water Ski Shows