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The Original Gecko’s was established by Mike & Mike just down the street in 1992. Their newest location embraces their heritage of being known for hosting great game watching parties, family celebrations & award-winning Happy Hours. Located just south of the Stickney Point Bridge and 41 at the Gateway to Siesta Key, Gecko’s Stickney Point offers a spacious, newly renovated Sports Bar, fresh, locally sourced fare, American Pub food with a Gourmet Twist, a full bar, Barrel fresh Wine on Tap, and a patio with outside seating.
Sunday - Thursday (11 a.m. - Midnight) Friday & Saturday (11 a.m. - 1 a.m.) 6606 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 Phone: 941.248.2020
Visit their website at www.geckosgrill.com for other locations, menus, etc.
Home sales in Sarasota and Manatee County increased for the second consecutive month in 2018. The two-county area reports another month of tight inventory, pressuring median prices to rise again.
Combined closed sales in the two-county area increased by 8.8 percent from February 2017. Manatee County single-family home sales increased by 8.6 percent to 441. Sarasota County showed a 9.8 percent increase to 569 closed sales. Sarasota condo sales jumped by 14.1 percent to 315, while Manatee increased by 5.2 percent to 202.
Overall, median sales prices are up. Manatee condos increased by 22.2 percent to $213,250, breaking $200,000 for the first time since 2008. As for Sarasota condos, the median price decreased by 0.1 percent to $219,000. Manatee single-family homes increased by 3.5 percent to $300,000, while Sarasota single-family home prices increased by 5.8 percent to $272,500.
Inventory is tight, with a combined 2 percent decrease from February 2017. Manatee County single-family homes decreased by 1.6 percent, while Sarasota single-family homes decreased by 5 percent from last year. Condo inventory increased by 2.9 percent in Manatee County, while Sarasota decreased by 0.1 percent.
The number of properties that went under contract in February increased by 5.6 percent overall from last year. Condo pending sales are up by 11.3 percent, while single-family homes are up by 2.9 percent.
New listings increased from this time last year, with condos increasing by 15 percent and single family homes by 7.5 percent. However, when compared to last month, the combined number of new listings decreased 10.1 percent, expected after January’s jump at the start of the season.
The month’s supply of inventory reflects a sellers’ market. The condo market is close to the balanced market benchmark with Manatee condos at a 5.3-month supply and Sarasota condos at a 5.7-month supply. Manatee County single-family homes are at a 4.4-month supply and Sarasota single-family homes are at a 4.7-month supply.
Monthly reports are provided by Florida REALTORS® with data compiled from My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. For comprehensive statistics dating back to 2005, visit www.MyRASM.com/statistics.
The winter season is winding down now so it’s a great time to enjoy one or more of the many events and adventures in and around Sarasota! Check out just a few of the activities happening during the month of April:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29th | Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show | Lido Key | Ski-A-Rees |
| April 5th | Ringling Underground | Sarasota | Ringling Museum of Art |
| April 6th | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| April 6-8th | Sarasota Bradenton Spring Home Show | Sarasota | Home Show Florida |
| April 6th | Moon Over Myakka Concert Series | Sarasota | Myakka River State Park |
| April 7-8th | SailFest Regatta | Sarasota | Sarasota Youth Sailing Club |
| April 7-8th | 16th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival | Sarasota | ArtFestival.com |
| April 8th | Sarasota Polo Match | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota Polo |
| April 13th | Free Music Friday Night | Venice | City of Venice |
| April 13-15th | 26th Annual Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival | Venice | Shark’s Tooth Festival |
| April 13-22nd | Sarasota Film Festival | Sarasota | Sarasota Film Festival |
| April 14th | Beach’N Food Truck Festival | Anna Maria Island | Chamber of Commerce |
| April 14-22nd | Sarasota Open Tennis Championship | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota Open |
| April 15 & 29th | Suncoast Concert Band | Sarasota | Suncoast Concert Band |
| April 16th | Ringling By the Bay | Sarasota | Ringling Museum of Art |
| April 18-30th | “Soul Man” | Sarasota | West Coast Black Theatre |
| April 20-21st | 9th Annual Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash | Venice | Suncoast BBQ Bash |
| April 20-22nd | 36th Annual Suncoast Boat Show | Sarasota | Suncoast Boat Show |
| April 21st | Mainly Art at Bradenton Farmer’s Market | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| April 21st | World Circus Day Celebration | Sarasota | Ringling Circus Museum |
| April 21st | Sarasota Earth Day Celebration | Osprey | Oscar Scherer State Park |
| April 25-29th | DeSoto Heritage Festival | Bradenton | DeSoto Historical Society |
| April 27th | Music in the Park | Bradenton | Bradenton RiverWalk |
| April 27-30th | “Gloria” | Sarasota | Asolo Repertory Theatre |
| April 28-29th | Florida Scholastic Rowing Regatta | Sarasota | World Class Rowing |
| April 28-29th | 39th Annual Siesta Fiesta | Siesta Key | Siesta Fiesta |
| April 29th | 16th Annual “Ride the Beaches” | Venice Island | Sharky’s |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to Search for Sarasota Homes. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
There’s another great steakhouse in Sarasota…Cannons in Gulf Gate is a cross between high-end cuisine and the causal dining atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern. This place is on par with steakhouses such as Ruth Chris and Morton’s for a much more reasonable price. The staff is exceptionally friendly and the entertainment is great.
The menu has something for everyone! They offer steaks, prime rib, one-of-a-kind salads, mouthwatering hamburgers and sandwiches, chicken & fish. Portions are large and sides are definitely shareable. You must try the orange cake for dessert…a Florida favorite!
They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-9:30pm with happy hour until 6:30 (beer and wine). They are located in Gulf Gate at 6540 Superior Avenue. Call for reservations at 941-924-7171.
For more information or to view the menu visit their website.
Don’t miss this fun art and craft show on Siesta Key coming the weekend of April 28 & 29th. This is the 40th year of the show. Stroll along the beach while enjoying fine art and handmade crafts from 200 of the nation’s most talented artists and crafters. Showcasing an extensive collection of work ranging from life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and more, this show truly has something for anyone. Complete with an additional green market, this spectacular show also features plants, body products, and tasty dips.
For further details visit ArtFestival.com.
Sarasota-Manatee home sales and prices increased again in January 2018 according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota Manatee. Inventory tightens, but a rise in pending sales and new listings indicate an upcoming season of sales.
Combined closed sales in the two-county area increased by 13 percent from this time last year. Single-family home sales in Manatee County rose by 12.7 percent to 399. Sarasota County showed a 9.5 percent increase to 519 closed sales. Sarasota condo sales jumped by 31.5 percent to 326, while Manatee condo sales decreased by 4.2 percent to 221.
Compared to last year, condo median sales prices are down slightly, while single-family home prices are up. Manatee condos decreased by 1.4 percent to $172,500, Sarasota condo prices decreased by 0.8 percent to $238,000. Single-family homes in Manatee increased by 7.6 percent to $300,145, while Sarasota increased by 10.4 percent to $275,900.
Pending sales, or the number of properties that went under contract this month, increased by 14.8 percent from January 2017. Condo pending sales are up by 20.9 percent in pending sales, while single-family homes are up by 11.8 percent. When compared to December 2017, combined pending sales in the two-county area increased by 45.5 percent, an indicator of future closed sales this season.
New listings, or the number of properties put onto the market during the month, jumped from last year with a combined increase of 7.3 percent. As buyers list their properties for the season, new listings will typically increase from the low levels seen in December. New listings, combined in the two-county area, increased by 62.5 percent from December 2017.
Inventory is tight at the start of this year, with an overall 3.8 percent decrease from January 2016. Manatee County single-family homes showed a 2.1 percent decrease and Sarasota a 7.6 percent decrease from last year. Condo inventory stayed the same in Sarasota, while Manatee decreased by 2.2 percent.
For the most part, the month’s supply of inventory is at a lower level than it was this time last year. Sarasota condos stay close to a balanced market with a 5.3-month supply, while Manatee condos are at a 4.5-month supply. Manatee County single-family homes are at a 4.2-month supply and Sarasota single-family homes are at a 4.1-month supply.
To read the full press release and view statistical charts click here.
Spring is here and our weather is outstanding so get out and enjoy the area. Here’s just a few of the activities happening in the Sarasota area during the month of March:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| March 1-31st | Manatee Heritage Days | Manatee County | Manatee Village |
| March 1-11th | Florida Strawberry Festival | Plant City | Florida Strawberry Festival |
| March 1-4th | 24th Annual NMRA Nitro Spring Break Shootout | Bradenton | NMRA Bradenton Motorsports Park |
| March 2nd | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | LakewoodRanch.com |
| March 2nd | Moon Over Myakka Concert | Sarasota | Myakka River State Park |
| March 3rd | Anna Maria Island Heritage Day | Anna Maria | Anna Maria Island Heritage Society |
| March 3rd | Suncoast Blues Festival | Sarasota | Suncoast Blues Festival |
| March 3-4th | Sarasota Bradenton Home Show | Palmetto | Sarasota Bradenton Home Show |
| March 3-4th | Downtown Venice Art Classic | Venice | ArtFestival.com |
| March 7-10th | 39th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival | Sarasota | The Jazz Club of Sarasota |
| March 8th | Brown Bag Concert | Sarasota | Phillippi Estate Park |
| March 4,11,18 & 25th | Ski-A-Rees Waterski Show | Lido Key | Ski-A-Rees |
| March 8-11th | 90th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | Arcadia | Arcadia Rodeo |
| March 9th | Music in the Park | Bradenton | Bradenton Riverwalk |
| March 10th | Mixon Fruit Farms Annual
Orange Blossom Festival |
Bradenton | Mixon Fruit Farms |
| March 10th | 6th Annual Irish Celtic Festival | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Community Activities |
| March 10-11th | 5th Annual Spring Fine Art Festival | Sarasota | Paragon Art Events |
| March 11th | 12th Annual Corvettes in
Venice on the Isle |
Venice | Venice Florida Corvettes |
| March 11th | Suncoast Concert Band Performance | Sarasota | Suncoast Concert Band |
| March 16-25th | 82nd Annual Sarasota County Fair | Sarasota | Sarasota Fair |
| March 17th | Gardens in Paradise | Sarasota | Sarasota Garden Club |
| March 19th | Ringling by the Bay | Sarasota | Ringling Museum |
| March 21st | Farmhouse Market
at the Phillippi Estate Park |
Sarasota | Sarasota County Parks |
| March 23rd | Legacy Trail 10th Anniversary Celebration | Venice | Legacy Trail Friends |
| March 23-25th | Cirque Des Voix | Sarasota | Key Chorale |
| March 24-25th | 9th Annual Downtown Sarasota Springfest Arts & Crafts Show | Sarasota | Fairs & Festivals |
| March 26th | Spring Concert | Venice | Venice Concert Band |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to Search for Sarasota Homes. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
Café Baci in Sarasota strives to perfectly recreate the full Italian experience. From the moment you walk through our door, you sense the difference and you feel the culture. The atmosphere here is enchanting and peaceful, the Italian cuisine reminiscent of that created by some of the greatest Italian Chefs.
We had an excellent meal here last week before heading to the Van Wezel for a show. Even though they have been around for many years they still have a very loyal clientele and wonderful food. We were warmly greeted upon our arrival and seated promptly. We did have a reservation which I highly recommend as they were full by 6pm on a Tuesday night!
The waiter was so attentive and personable. After we placed our order they brought out fresh bread with olive oil dipping spices and an antipasto for the table. Our meals were three different fish dishes (salmon, flounder and snapper) and each was really tasty. The entrees included a starch and perfectly cooked green beans on this night. Salads with the meals are at an extra cost but the portions of the meals were plenty without it. They have an excellent wine selection as well as some scrumptious sounding desserts.
They are open Monday through Friday for lunch and every day for dinner. Relax and enjoy a delicious meal at Café Baci. Savor the delicate flavors….you’ll feel you are in Italy, if but only for a moment.
To view the menu visit Cafe Baci.
The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is held annually in Arcadia, located in DeSoto County. First held in 1928, it is Florida’s longest running and largest rodeo event. The rodeo has evolved from its pioneer beginnings (when competing cowboys and ranchers matched their skills for the entertainment of local audiences) to a national sport drawing top cowboy athletes from all over the nation. Cowboys who compete for purses and points are aiming for the “Super Bowl” of rodeo: the National Finals held annually in Las Vegas.
The schedule of events are Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bareback Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Their are no finals. All contestants compete for money and points for the whole weekend. The order of event will stay the same but the stock and contestants change each day.
The event runs from Thursday, March 8th through Sunday, March 11th. Gates Open at 11:00 a.m. Shootout performs at 1:00 p.m. Mutton Bustin at 1:30 p.m. Rodeo action starts at 2:00 p.m.
My kids still talk about going to this event when they were very young so if you haven’t been I encourage you to check it out!
For more information visit ArcadiaRodeo.com
Circus Sarasota boasts an impressive roster of international artists pushing human boundaries and leaving audiences awestruck. This year’s performance, titled Ovation, honors the legacy of the circus arts and those who have impacted the artform. Included in an international lineup of all-stars are Russian quick change masters the Smirnovs, unbelievable hand balancers Duo KVAS, and Swiss juggling master Kris Kremo. Also featured in the show are the tempting tricks of the Juju tight wire act, Sylvia Zerbini and her masterful horses, AJ Silver and his laser-sharp lasso act, Italian clown Luigi Folco and Portuguese rola bola artist Dany Daniel. Completing the cast are those daring young men and women on the flying trapeze, The Flying Cortes.
Circus performances start on February 9th and continue through March 4th at the Big Top located behind the UTC Mall behind Dillards.
SAVE TIME! Purchase your tickets ahead of time Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Circus Box Office, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Big Top Box Office hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – 140 University Town Center Dr. 34243 Beginning February 9 – March 4th, the Big Top Box Office will be open 7 days a week, from 10:00 a.m. until one half hour after last show begins.
