Sarasota

Sarasota (pop. 277,776), city in southwestern Florida, on the Sarasota Bay of the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in the 1880s, it has become a popular tourist spot. It is home to New College of the Univ. of Southern Florida and to the Mote Marine Laboratory. From 1927 to 1960 it was also the winter home of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

See also: Florida.