Osprey is a community full of different types of homes and known for variety. It was settled in the 1880s and named aver the large seabird found within the area. Osprey is also known for tall pine tree and beautiful oak trees.
The area known as Osprey is found to the south of Sarasota and close to Little Sarasota Bay. This area provides many luxury real estate options from single-family homes to villas to condos and even some very large waterfront mansions. Deepwater docks are a part of some of the real estate options and this area has embraced waterfront living for over a century.
Neighborhoods in Osprey
The community of Osprey is known for many distinct neighborhoods all providing a little something different. Throughout the area are several choices including:
The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch is found about five minutes from I-75 off Fruitville Road and provides a beautiful neighborhood with plenty of nature. It's close enough to the city to provide a wonderful city life for residents and its home to many single-family homes. Along with the many homes, there are still lots available for development.
Schools
This community provides access to many schools including:
- Lakeview Elementary
- Riverview High
- Sarasota Middle
- New College of Florida
- Ringling School of Art & Design
- University of South Florida
All of these schools are found close to this community.
Estate Living at Its' Finest
The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch provides true estate living with many custom homes found here. This area of Sarasota is one of the most unique gated master planned communities. It's surrounded by the unspoiled countryside of Florida.
Many of the homes...
Found in Sarasota, the Ca d'Zan Mansion was originally the home of the Ringlings. This Mediterranean Revival residence was the home used by John Ringling and his wife Mable in the winter. The site overlooks the Sarasota Bay and provides amazing views. The Ca d'Zan Mansion is now found on the Florida Architecture: 100 Years, 100 Places list
This beautiful building was remodeled in February of 2006. It is now an educational place with plenty of excellent features to enjoy. Touring the mansion is possible for $5 and many teachers and students come through the mansion regularly. A more complete tour of the facility is available for $20, as well.
The mansion is air-conditioned and provides a look...
The Venice Theatre provides an option for those living in and around Sarasota to enjoy concerts, performances and many other types of shows. The theatre was started back in the 1950s and quickly became a very popular place to enjoy a show.
In 2000, the theatre underwent a four-phase renovation costing over $2 million. This renovation brought the facility up to the A.D.A. standards and the MainStage now seats 432 and Stage II seats 90. The facility also contains many classrooms, rehearsal stages and the renovation included an equipment upgrade, as well.
Upcoming Performances
Many shows are coming in the next few months. Here's what you can find on the stages at Venice Theatre.
Main Stage
- Boeing, Boeing - January 14th to February 2nd, 2014
- Oklahoma - February 18th to March 16th, 2014
- Five Guys Named Moe - April 1st to April 19th, 2014
- The Elephant Man - April 29th to May 11th, 2014
...
Moving to Florida provides the opportunity to choose a bayfront or waterfront community to call home. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, there are plenty of communities with a water view and many actually right on the water.
Sarasota is home to many waterfront and bayfront communities to choose from. Whether it's Island Park or one of the surrounding Keys, there are plenty of communities to choose from near the Gulf of Mexico.
The bayfront of Sarasota spans the entire length of the city and provides plenty of diversity in the residential real estate market. With condominiums and single family homes found in these communities, it's easy to find a home that provides a view of the water here.
Many of the waterfront and bayfront communities not only provide a view of the ocean, but many...
Sarasota, Florida is found in southwest Florida about an hour north of Fort Myers. This is a mid-sized city with plenty to offer. The city has been referred to as Florida's "Cultural Coast" because of the many theaters, art galleries, museums and other art venues found in the city.
With 10 theaters, a professional symphony, the ballet, an opera and over 30 art galleries, Sarasota is most known for the arts and culture scene. You will also find the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art in the city.
Along with the art and culture scene, Sarasota is also known for nature. The Myakka River State Park and the Oscar Scherer State Park are both found here, providing residents with an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy nature. The beautiful climate and other attractions, such as Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provide other outdoor choices....
Lakewood Ranch is a popular community found in Sarasota, Florida. This residential neighborhood provides a number of features other than just the beautiful location near the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some of the interesting things to know about Lakewood Ranch.
Shopping
Lakewood Ranch provides plenty of shopping with a number of smaller shops found on Main Street. Shops provide everything from fashion to accessories and many other choices in between. Along with the shops, you will find plenty of entertainment on this street, as well. Cinemas and live theaters are fund near the small shops and provide the perfect place for a day out of the house.
Gun Club
You may not think this area would have a gun club, but they do. It's called The Ancient Oak Gun Club, which is the right choice for...
If you're considering moving to the Sarasota area and you want to live in luxury Lakewood Ranch is the place for you. This community includes many luxury homes, townhomes, villas and condos. It's a master-planned community with many newer homes and plenty of seven full villages.
Half of the community is set up as recreation space, open space and for amenities to serve the community. Residents enjoy easy access to trails, wetlands, parks, nature preserves, lakes and so much more. The Lakewood Ranch Town Center also serves the area.
Newer homes in the area start in the $200K range and they can go up from there. The lifestyle here supports families, couples, retirees and individuals. Plenty of good schools serve the area, along with college campuses, plenty of community events, a YMCA, a hospital...
The Bradenton Blues Festival will be held on December 7th this year and will provide all types of fun. Maybe you need a break from all the Christmas Carolers or you just love blues music. Either way, this event will provide exactly what you're after.
The festival will happen in downtown Bradenton, which is just north of Sarasota. It promises plenty of live music and plenty of fun.
Last year was the inaugural Blues Festival, which quickly became a very popular event. Larger attendance is expected this year and many think it will be nearly twice the size. With top rated blues artists, excellent food and the lively downtown atmosphere, this will be a very hot event this year.
Eight different blues acts will take the stage throughout the weekend including:
- Eddie Shaw & the Wolfgang
- Trampled Underfoot
- Anthony Gomes
- Johnny Rawls
- Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones with...