Stephen P. Leatherman of the Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research has recently released his annual report of the best beaches.     Siesta Key’s Crescent Beach was ranked second only to Hanalei Beach on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.  If you prefer your beaches without volcanic activity you might want to check out  Siesta Key.  A quick Google search of the term “Hanalei Hawaii shark attacks” may also help you choose which beach is your personal favorite.

1. Hanalei, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota
3. Coopers Beach, Southhampton
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui
6. Main Beach, East Hampton
7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island

• Click here to see the complete list of top hospitals.

Sarasota is the thirteenth Florida city to receive the “Preserve America” designation, a program which recognises community efforts to protect and preserve historic buildings for economic development and community revitalization.  The program is meant to encourage people to learn about their local historic resources and heritage through educational and heritage tourism programs.  The designation makes Sarasota eligible to matching grants up to $250,000.  Sarasota has many historic buildings including the John Ringling home, the Terrace Building, the Federal Building and the Opera House.  Click here for more information.

During the boom years Sarasota real estate enjoyed a wave of prosperity and growth.  Sarasota, with all of it’s attributes and accolades attracted more investment dollars, speculators and new residents than possible any other small city in Florida.  Now that the boom is over and the prices have come down from the peak of August 2005, Sarasota is indeed looking very good.  Interest in Sarasota real estate has been increasing steadily through out this second half of 2008.  Many believe we are at or near the bottom of the price decline and the things that made Sarasota attractive in the past are all still in place.  Little has changed in the past few years except the real estate prices.  In this decade Sarasota has become well known for its’ many cultural and natural attractions and has received many accolades.

• In December of 2002 Sarasota was named among the top 100 cities in which to live by City Watch Magazine.
• Money Magazine named Sarasota among the top five locales being the “Best Place to Retire”.
• Entrepreneur Magazine rated Sarasota in sixth place among best medium sized cities in the U.S. for small business.
• Money Magazine placed Sarasota schools in the Top 100 in the nation.
• Expansion Management magazine  chose the Sarasota/Bradenton area as the only city in Florida to be awarded their Five Star Community ranking.

There are so many things to do here here in Sarasota.  The lifestyle is wonderfully diverse and the weather is beautifull year round.  Real Estate sales statistics indicate an upswing in closed transaction so now may really be the right time to get back into the market.  Come on in, the water is fine.