The settlements along Florida’s gulf coast that now comprise Sarasota County—including Venice, Osprey, Englewood, and Sarasota—started out with economies reliant on cattle, citrus, and fish. The communities grew with the arrivals of immigrants from Scotland, transplants from among the socially prominent of Chicago, and others looking for a better place to live.

The story of the county is of people such as Bertha Palmer, who was able to have a town moved, and John Ringling, who made the area the “Circus Capital of the World.” It is also the story of agricultural towns evolving into cities sought by tourists.

Historic Photos of Sarasota County traces the region’s growth from the small wooden homes and fishing piers of old to the modern high-rise condominiums of today. In vivid black-and-white, the book offers historic images of the early pioneers in the wilderness, the “Tin Can Tourists” arriving in trailers, and sunbathers on the broad white beaches.