Each winter Sarasota/Bradenton and the surrounding communities swell with retirees and other cold-weather warriors seeking culture, sunshine and a sense of community.
Located between Tampa/St. Pete to the north and Ft. Myers south, this stretch of the Florida Gulf Coast is served by an international airport that quickly transports cold and winter-weary travelers to sunny south Florida.
The area is perhaps best-known as the home of the world-famous Ringling Brothers Circus. In the 1920s, John Ringling and his wife Mable made Sarasota their winter home on beautiful Sarasota Bay and completed construction on the Museum of Art in 1931. Ringling left the Museum of Art to the people of Florida upon his death in 1936 and that served as a major driver for the area’s strong cultural heritage evident today.

Tampa is known as a cosmopolitan city with an international flair.
Home to world-class medical facilities, universities and banking, Tampa lives large but is a small city surrounded by unique communities such as Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor and Dunedin.
It’s proximity to the white-sand Gulf Coast beaches make it a desirable winter home for many northern visitors.
Ybor City, the Cuban community where Spanish is freely spoken boasts restaurants that serve up tasty island cuisine and famous rolled cigars. World class shopping is found at International Plaza and Bay Street where you’ll find Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and more.
Tampa is home to the sprawling University of South Florida where several well-known medical research facilities – including the Moffett Cancer Center – treat patients from around the world.
Boaters and fishermen enjoy the proximity to Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and several area lakes. Sports fans enjoy the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Tampa Rays.  Others enjoy meandering through the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo,  The Florida Aquarium or marvel at the Museum of Science and Industry. Busch Gardens is known for its African safari theme park and world class roller coasters.
A popular day trip destination is Tarpon Springs made famous by Greek immigrants who made their living as sponge fishermen. The downtown area by the docks boasts more than two dozen shops and restaurants and is walker friendly.
Winter visitors often stay in nearby Palm Harbor and Dunedin, known as small, safe and friendly communities. Most winter visitors rent an area vacation rental, rent in one of the numerous RV parks or buy or rent in Over-55 communities.

First time visitors to Florida might be excused if they were surprised that the state had rolling hills and lush, green pastures.
But less than one hour south of Gainesville – home to the University of Florida – lies Ocala.
Equestrians have long known of this beautiful area where thoroughbreds are reared and horse farms abound.