Sarasota one of World’s Greatest Places
Wade Tatangelo and Jimmy Geurts
Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY NETWORK
Coinciding with the county centennial, Sarasota has landed on Time magazine’s list of The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021.
Billed as “extraordinary destinations to explore,” the list is presented in alphabetical order and includes such other U.S. cities as Las Vegas, Memphis and New York along with famed international metropolises such as Madrid, Osaka and Tuscany.
The only other Florida city on the list is Orlando. The Sarasota blurb runs with a Siesta Key sunset photo and a subhead that reads “The growing Gulf Coast scene.”
“Miami has long held the reins on all things young and hip in Florida,” begins the 150-word blurb on Sarasota. “But there’s something special percolating along the once sleepy Gulf Coast these days.”
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Time pays special attention to the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, which opened in late 2019, noting that its exhibitions have featured the works of artists such as Robert Colescott, Charles McGill and Samo Davis.
The magazine also mentions The Bay – a redevelopment of 53 acres of city-owned land surrounding the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall into parkland – with its recently completed Mangrove Walkway highlighted in the article.
Time concludes the Sarasota entry with a shout-out to the John Ringling Causeway as well as the recently renovated Lido Beach Pavilion and The Resort at Longboat Key Club, which are both described as “superior spots to watch the sun set over the shimmering Gulf waters.”
First published in 1923, Time magazine noted in a press release that its third annual World’s Greatest Places article is “curated from editor and expert nominations from around the world,” and that “the list recognizes 100 unique destinations that are offering visitors an extraordinary experience that’s unlike any other.”
The list is described as “a tribute to the people and businesses at the forefront of industries who, amidst extraordinary circumstances, found ways to adapt, to build, and to innovate. It shines a light on ingenuity, creativity, revitalization and re-openings in destinations across the world – from small towns to big cities, and everything in between.”
The double issue goes on sale Friday.
Earlier this month, U.S. News & World Report named the Sarasota metro area as one of the best places to live in America. Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, noted the recognition helps market the area to tourists.
“These lists have a tangible impact,” she said.
Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody thanked Time magazine for recognizing the community in a statement sent to the Herald-Tribune.
“We share this accolade with so many community partners that make Sarasota a special place for all of our residents and visitors,” Brody said.
Wade Tatangelo, the Herald-Tribune’s entertainment editor, may be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com.
Sarasota, seen here with its downtown skyline meeting Sarasota Bay, has landed on Time magazine’s annual list of the World’s Greatest Places. THOMAS BENDER /HERALD-TRIBUNE FILE
The newly renovated Lido Beach Pavilion on April 4.
CARLA VARISCO/HERALD-TRIBUNE FILE
