About Sarasota | Manatee:
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Ft. Myers, Sarasota is one of the country’s fastest growing communities.  Greater Sarasota has earned rave reviews from the business community for fostering strategic alliances between the public and private sectors.  According to the Sales and Marketing Management, 2005 Buying Power Survey, greater Sarasota yields approximately $16.7 billion dollars in retail sales per year.  Since 2002, a record number of companies have relocated or expanded in Sarasota County, adding more than 2,000 jobs to the economy.

Sarasota boasts a diverse entrepreneurial and professional community specializing in a number of business sectors including:

• Creative Arts
• Life Science and Environmental Research
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Technical Services
• Tourism

Average Annual Air Temperature: 72.6 F (22.6 C) average annual air temperature

Population: 325,957

Major Access Roads:
Interstate 75 and US Highway 41 (North-South)

Airport:
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located at the intersection of US 41 and University Parkway. (941) 359-5200

Mileage from Other FL Cities:

Places to stay:

Hyatt Sarasota
1000 Boulevard of the Arts
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Telephone: 941 953 1234   
www.sarasota.hyatt.com

The Hyatt Sarasota is a year-round convention hotel in a resort-like setting, with a private marina on Sarasota Bay. They are located minutes from Sarasota’ spectacular white-sand beaches. It is also just steps away from premier theaters, restaurants, museums and more. The hotel will also be hosting the 2006 Sarasota Technology Conference.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Telephone: (941) 309-2000, (800) 241-3333
www.ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a luxury landmark on Florida's Gulf coast. Conveniently located near the city center, each of the hotel's 266 well-appointed guest rooms have a private balcony and view of Sarasota Bay, the marina or the city skyline.
For the discriminating guest, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota features award-winning dining, famous personalized service and access to the Mobil-rated Spa, private Gulf-front beach club, and a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course.