Florida’s Sarasota County, which describes itself as offering “inspiring natural beauty, an appealing climate and world-class arts and culture,” occupies 575 square miles of land and abuts the Gulf of Mexico. Its roughly 450,000 year-round residents are joined by about 100,000 snowbirds each winter. The county comprises the cities of Sarasota, Venice and North Port and the town of Longboat Key, as well as unincorporated land. The Sarasota County government provides services including transit, fire protection, emergency medical services, parks and recreation, and management of environmental resources to these unincorporated areas.
Sarasota County is devoted to sustainability, defining the term as “satisfying our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” To this end, the county stays focused on three guiding principles: ensuring that resources are replenished, staying true to stated county values and investing in the county to ensure future success. This commitment to sustainability has resulted in achievements including obtaining over $4 million in grants.
