Videos: Sarasota History

The historic American National Bank Building, later known as the Orange Blossom Hotel, is located at 1330 Main Street in downtown Sarasota, Florida. The building is a significant historical and architectural landmark in the city. Neo-Classical in style, it is one of the three earliest skyscrapers in Sarasota.

Sarasota History Alive explore's a Mediterranean Revival structure designed by Dwight James Baum as the Broadway or El Vernona Apartments. This three-story, "L" - shaped Mediterranean Revival building was designed by Dwight James Baum as the Broadway or El Vernona Apartments. Today it is known as the Belle Haven.

In 1882 this "handsome residence" was under construction for Alfred and Mary Bidwell on land Mary purchased from the State of Florida for one dollar an acre. Before construction the Bidwell's apparently occupied the detached kitchen-dining room with a sleeping loft.

In 1916 the city of Sarasota was rebuffed by the neighborhood of Bungalow Hill. They rejected taxation without representation by incorporating into the community of Sarasota Heights.

Who is Ringling Boulevard named after in Sarasota? If you thought John Ringling of Circus and Museum fame you'd be wrong. It was his brother Charles Ringling. He played a key role in the development of the downtown area.

On May 12, 1941, the cornerstone was laid for Sarasota's first public library building. It was the second major structure to be built in the WPA developed Bayfront Park between what are now Sixth and 10th streets, west of North Tamiami Trail.

Today, many people look at the Marina Jack restaurant and boat docks and think they have always been here. Not so...They are just beyond where the Scots landed and built our first pier. It wasn't much at first, and it has evolved over the years to become the park and marina we have today.

Today, many people look at the Marina Jack restaurant and boat docks and think they have always been here. Not so...They are just beyond where the Scots landed and built our first pier. It wasn't much at first, and it has evolved over the years to become the park and marina we have today.