Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Sarasota's Bayfront

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 19, 2016

1. Sarasota's Bayfront Marker

Inscription.
Sarasota Bay and its downtown bayfront have long been considered the brightest jewels in Sarasota’s crown. In 1910 Bertha Palmer, who helped put Sarasota on the international map, proclaimed Sarasota Bay more beautiful than the Bay of Naples. From the time of its earliest inhabitants, the bayfront has played an important role in the area’s history and culture. In 1886 the Florida Mortgage and Investment Company built a pier that extended off lower Main Street; Harry Higel, a major force in the early development of Sarasota, later purchased the pier and operated a steamship service between Sarasota and Tampa. In 1911 Higel sold the pier to the Hover Brothers of Lima, Ohio, who built the Hover Arcade, a mix of Mediterranean styles with distinctive towers on either side of the archway leading to the pier. The Hover Arcade, purchased by Sarasota in 1917, became the city hall, and in 1921, it temporarily housed the newly formed county government as well. The popular city pier, a focal point for the community, provided residents and visitors with boat slips, a restaurant, and a place to fish. (Continued on other side) Reverse: (Continued

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from other side) In 1954, the city and county supported a proposal to construct a four-lane Bayfront Drive to alleviate downtown traffic, provide an adequate approach to the Ringling Causeway, and allow motorists to enjoy the beauty of Sarasota Bay. Not everyone supported the plan, including some Gulf Stream Avenue residents who filed for an injunction in 1957 to stop construction. The residents ultimately lost the case, and the dredge-and-fill project proceeded to completion. Another dredge-and-fill project created Island Park in 1964. Completed in 1965, Marina Mar, today’s Marina Jack, included a restaurant and a marina. The Hover Arcade, deemed obsolete, was demolished in 1967. Today the bayfront continues to be a center of cultural and community life for both residents and visitors. Various artworks enhance the bayfront; benches and swings invite people to sit, relax, and enjoy beautiful Sarasota Bay; and a playground and splash park delight children. Famed high wire walker, seventh-generation member of the circus troupe The Great Wallendas and Sarasota resident, Nik Wallenda selected the popular bayfront for a daring high wire

Sarasota's Bayfront Marker Reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 19, 2016

2. Sarasota's Bayfront Marker Reverse

walk across Bayfront Drive (US Hwy 41) in 2013.

Erected 2014 by Sarasota County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 27° 20.074′ N, 82° 32.76′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. It is on Bayfront Drive (U.S. 41) 0.1 miles north of Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sarasota FL 34236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Landing of the Scots (about 500

Sarasota's Bayfront Marker and surrounding area looking south image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 19, 2016

3. Sarasota's Bayfront Marker and surrounding area looking south

feet away, measured in a direct line); Sarasota War Memorial / The Doughboy (about 600 feet away); Memorial Flag Pole - Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park (about 600 feet away); Unconditional Surrender (about 800 feet away); American National Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Palm Tower (approx. 0.2 miles away); Edwards Theatre 1926 (approx. ¼ mile away); City of Sarasota (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.

Hover Arcade image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 19, 2016

4. Hover Arcade

Nik Wallenda image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 19, 2016

5. Nik Wallenda

Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 775 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 22, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.