Harry Ben Rigby platted out his La Plaza Subdivision in 1925, and completed his unique enclave of Spanish Eclectic structures in 1926. They were perfect for him to house his family, and his Sarasota Real Estate Exchange office in their home, on the corner of Alta Vista and Osprey Avenue. The other structures were meant to be affordable seasonal rentals and places for investors to stay while planning their dream homes.
St. Armands Key has its roots firmly planted in John Ringling's vision of becoming a beautiful residential area, with a centralized shopping and park feature to attract the well-to-do. What's more, he knew that imported European statuary would add greatly to making this a reality.
An assaination attempt on Judge John Early in the downtown Palmer Bank!! What? How could this have happened?
Payne Park was host to many of Major League Baseball's most renowned figures from 1924, when the reigning champion of New York Giants of the National League opened spring training, until 1988, when the Chicago White Sox of the American League played their last spring game.
Today, at the corner of Osprey Avenue and Main Street, the Sun Trust Bank rises above where once stood Sarasota's favorite drive-in burger spot; the Smack Restaurant.
Sarasota's War Memorial first dedication was held Monday, November 12, 1928. It was part of the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.