Area Information

Cooking with seasonal ingredients is one of the best ways to improve the taste and quality of your food. Our real estate agents have been spending a lot of time perfecting their favorite fall recipes, and seasonal ingredients play an important role.  Some of our clients have also been inspired to improve their cooking skills after seeing the big bright kitchens in these Sarasota homes for sale. 

Because Florida is a tropical climate, our growing season is a bit unique when compared to other areas of the country. The majority of our crops come into season in the fall and winter, which is why now is the best time to start preparing your menu. Here is a quick guide to what's in season by month:

• November
  As we near the end of fall and those hot temperatures begin to dip, you'll start to see some of Florida's best fruit start to ripen. Mid-to-late November is the start of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and passion fruit season. Florida is actually one of the leading providers of these crops. You'll also start to see radishes and squash start to mature as well.
  
  
• December - January
  Once December arrives, our grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines are in full season. In addition to our November crops, you'll also start to notice leafy greens like kale, collard greens, lettuce, and broccoli become ready for harvest. These are all great ingredients to use as healthy side dishes or to work into stews.
  
  
• February - March 
  Spring starts early in Florida, and so does the spring harvest. Once February rolls around, it's time to start picking your typical spring fruits and vegetables like strawberries, papaya, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, cauliflower, celery, and cucumbers. These crops remain in season all the way through May.
  
  
• April - May 
  Towards the end of spring and early into the summer is when you'll start to see hot summer temperatures set in, and some of the more tropical fruit start to flourish. Expect to see fresh blueberries, cantaloupe, and watermelons at the grocery down the street from these Bradenton homes for sale. This is a great time to eat guava, lychees, and longan as well. 
  
  
• June - October
  In mid-to-late summer, tropical Florida weather and the hottest temperatures usually bring an end to the harvest season. However, some fruits like mangos and grapefruit continue to thrive during this time of year. Also, some crops, such as tomatoes, peanuts, avocados, and mushrooms, are in season all year long.

For the freshest produce possible, be sure to stop by the Sarasota Farmers Market, or if you live closer to Siesta Key homes for sale, there's the Siesta Key Farmers Market. 

Knowing what's in season in your area can help you ensure your family is eating the freshest ingredients all year long. Our climate supports long harvest seasons throughout most of the year. Contact us today to schedule a tour of one of our local listings.

In August, the calendar may be moving toward fall, but summer fun is still going strong around Sarasota and Bradenton. Join our real estate agents for some good times at these exciting local events and festivals taking place this month.

• NBP Rec Days - Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
  Have you joined the kayaking craze? Maybe you want to pass your love of fishing on to your kids. NBP Rec Days are a great opportunity for the whole family to try various water-based activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and sailing, right by Sarasota homes for sale. Fishing licenses are required for those who choose to participate. Dates are Saturday, August 14, and Saturday, August 28, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fees are $10 per person, with a maximum of $35 for families of five or more. Kids aged 6 and under are free.
  
  
• Majesty of Rock - CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Pkwy., Venice, FL 34293
  It's a marriage made in rock 'n' roll heaven when Majesty of Rock performs at CoolToday Park, right down the street from Venice homes for sale. Frontman John D'Agostino leads the group of talented musicians through a selection of tunes from iconic classic rock bands Journey and Styx. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, but you'll probably spend most of the night dancing away. Music starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 21. General admission tickets are $12.
  
  
• World Series of Comedy - McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34236
  Cap off a day of viewing Bradenton homes for sale with a night of laughs. The best of the best are competing in the World Series of Comedy, with 40 comedians appearing in four days. Your vote will help decide who moves on to the finals. Festivities run from Thursday, August 12, through Sunday, August 15. Visit the website for showtimes. Tickets are $25.
  
  
• IQuest: Playing Around with Science - The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 - 10th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  Prepare the kids to go back to school by sneaking some learning into their fun. At IQuest: Playing Around with Science, the award-winning game designer gives tips on creating games that incorporate scientific know-how. After playing science card games, participants will try their hand at designing their own games. IQuest takes place Saturday, August 14, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. The $8 admission includes a slice of pizza and a beverage.
  
  
• Plantation Wine Festival - Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, FL 34293
  Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sampling a variety of wines in the lush surroundings of the Plantation Golf & Country Club, which opens its doors to the public for the Plantation Wine Festival. As if the wine wasn't enough, the club chefs are preparing a sensational assortment of food to dine on as well. The event will be held indoors in air-conditioned comfort, where you can look out over the beautiful greenery, colorful flowers, and serene waterways. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, August 29, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 for club members and $35 for non-members. 

Are you buying or selling a home around Bradenton or Sarasota? It doesn't have to get in the way of your summer entertainment. Contact us at Wagner Realty and let us handle the hard stuff.

Welcome to bird watching paradise! The coastal regions of Manatee and Sarasota Counties offer some of America's richest and most diverse bird habitats, and our real estate agents are always eager to cross a few rare species off our lists!

Bird Species to Look For

Our corner of the state is hosts a wealth of bird species year-round, and many more use it as a stop-over on their annual migrations. All told, more than 320 bird species have been recorded in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

When you're exploring our local beaches, forests, prairies, and estuaries this spring, be sure to keep an eye out for these amazing birds. 

• Purple Martin: This South American native flies north every year to breed in Florida. Many residents in the Sarasota area put out gourd houses for them. 
  
  
• Roseate Spoonbill: This year-round resident really sticks out in a crowd thanks to its bright pink plumage and spoon-like bill. You'll see colonies of them around mangrove islands.
  
  
• Loggerhead Shrike: Though this small gray bird may not look scary, it's earned the nickname "butcher bird" for its habit of hanging prey out to dry on thorns or barbed wire to be eaten later. 
  
  
• Black Skimmer: This increasingly rare black-and-white beach bird can still be seen around Lido Beach in good numbers. It gets its name from the way it hunts, "skimming" the water's surface with its bill. 
  
  
• Florida Scrub-Jay: This handsome blue-and-gray member of the jay family is found only in Florida, making it one of the state's most sought-after birds.
  
  
• Snowy Egret: This small wading bird with brilliant white feathers is a member of the heron family and one of several egret species in Florida.
  
  
• Downy Woodpecker: America's smallest woodpecker, this is one of at least six woodpecker species you can see in the region. 
  
  
• Limpkin: This wading bird is known for its distinctive shriek-like call (earning it the nickname "crying bird") is often seen dining on snails in Florida's wetlands. 
  
  
• Purple Gallinule: With its purplish-blue plumage and bright orange beak, this bird is instantly identifiable. It often haunts the margins of swamps, sometimes walking across the surface of aquatic vegetation. 
  
  
• Swallowtail Kite: With spectacular plumage that always catches the eye in flight, this black-and-white bird of prey often nests in pine trees adjacent to wetlands.
  
  
• Crested Caracara: This resident of Florida's pine flatlands—a scavenger in the falcon family—is among our largest and most striking birds.

Where to Go Birding

Not sure where to find these unique and fascinating birds? Try some of these local parks and preserves in Sarasota and Manatee Counties:

• Myakka River State Park: The pine flatwoods of this park, located just minutes from these Sarasota homes for sale, are among the best places to see Crested Caracara. 
  
  
• Pinecraft Park: Spanning 15 acres, this small park has a unique hammock forest habitat crisscrossed by streams, making it a prime spot to see a wide variety of bird species.
  
  
• Oscar Scherer State Park: Just outside Sarasota, this park harbors one of the largest populations of Florida scrub-jays.
  
  
• Felts Audubon Preserve: This conservation area offers beautiful birding trails, a short drive from many Bradenton homes for sale.

Contact us today to learn more about ways to explore the great outdoors in Bradenton, Sarasota, and the surrounding areas. And be sure to ask our team about how we can help you find your dream home in Florida today. 

The Parrish, FL area has seen significant growth in recent years, and that's no surprise. With plenty to do close to home and an easy commute to nearby communities like Tampa, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, the community has something to offer for everyone. Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, catching up on culture, watching live sports, or shopping until you drop, it's easy to find fun around Parrish. Our real estate agents are here to help you get to know the community, with our guide to living in the Parrish area.

• Parrish Has Homes to Suit Every Buyer
  A central location, strong job market, and diverse local attractions are just a few of the factors that have caused the recent growth of Parrish. That growth has lead to ample new construction in the area, and the average home in Parrish is just six years old. Parrish homes for sale feature something to fit every budget, from perfect starter homes for families to attractive, new luxury listings. 

• Outdoor Fun from Golf to the Gulf
  Love spending time by the water? Parrish offers easy access to the area's best beaches, fishing spots, and marinas. Enjoy time by the Gulf on the beaches of Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, along with fresh seafood at beachfront dining spots. Of course, living in Parrish also makes it easy to experience the legendary local golf scene, including the scenic, challenging layout at River Wilderness Golf & Country Club.

• Easy Access to the Best of Southwest Florida
  You'll find plenty to do close to home in Parrish, and even more when you visit the other dynamic, local Florida communities within short driving distance. Communities like Bradenton, Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg are all close by. Enjoy access to a diverse collection of job markets with a short daily commute, and find fun for every member of the family with nearby attractions for all ages. When you live in Parrish, the best of Southwest Florida is always waiting just outside your front door.

• Enjoy Live Sports and Entertainment Close to Home
  If you love live sports, the Parrish area has action during every season. Catch your favorite MLB team tuning up for the season each spring, with the Yankees in Tampa, the Pirates in Bradenton, the Orioles in Sarasota, and the Phillies in Clearwater. Tampa is also home to the Lightning of the NHL, the Buccaneers of the NFL, and the Rays of MLB.

  There's plenty of culture in the area, too, with the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Symphony, and Sarasota Ballet just a short drive from home. The many performance venues around Tampa also attract world-class performers, including some of the biggest names in music.

• Local History and So Much More Near Parrish
  Art, science, history... the museums around Parrish offer something for every interest. The Florida Railroad Museum, located within Parrish, offers a trip back to the 1940s and 1950s when railroads were one of the most popular ways to travel. In nearby Sarasota, you'll find the historic Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Botanical Gardens, and Mote Marine Aquarium. Just over the Sunshine Skyway, in St. Petersburg you'll find The Dali Museum and in Tampa, The Florida Aquarium. There's so much to discover when you call Parrish home!

Ready to enjoy all the perks of living in Parrish? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Parrish, FL area.

One of the many advantages of living in Florida is our abundance of sunny weather and warm temperatures. During the summer months though, the heat and humidity can leave you feeling a bit drained. Fortunately, there are ways you can beat the heat.

From practical tips to fun and cooling activities your kids will love, our real estate agents suggest the following 7 ways to cool off this summer.

1. Avoid Using Your Oven 
   Using your oven makes your home hotter, so stock up on recipes for colder meals like salads. These meals will also be more appealing than heavy dishes when the weather is hot. You can also avoid using your oven by utilizing appliances like your microwave or crockpot or heading outside to grill out. Or skip cooking altogether and have dinner delivered from DoorDash. Not only will you not have to cook, but you can also support local businesses at the same time! 
2. Get a Portable Fan
   Buy a small portable fan that sprays water mist while its blades spin and help cool you off. Best of all, you can use this at home, at Bradenton Beach, or outside when you're out jogging or running errands. They're great for kids as well as adults.
3. Water Balloon Fun
   Who says you have to have a pool or head to the beach for a fun way to cool off? Turn your backyard into a water balloon playground. Fill water balloons and hang them up outside as singles or in groups. Let your kids take turns swinging at the water balloons like a pinata for guaranteed fun while cooling off. 
4. Utilize Your Fridge
   Keep ice packs or towels in your fridge and ready for the hottest Florida days. Apply an ice pack or cold towel on your cooling points. These include your wrists, forehead, and the inside of your elbows. Take these on the go and put in a cooler for when you head to the beach. 
5. DIY Backyard Sprinkler
   Another kid-approved way to turn your backyard into a makeshift water park. Follow these DIY directions to make a sprinkler from a PVC pipe. It gives kids a great opportunity to get soaked and can be made into different configurations.
6. Easy Homemade Popsicles 
   Consider making the kids these homemade popsicles as an easy (and delicious) way to cool off. Trust us, the adults are going to want some as well! This recipe is super easy and is made with only two ingredients - honey and fruit - so they're refreshing as well as healthy.
7. Stay Hydrated
   If you've lived in Florida for a while, you know how humid it can get! Florida heat and humidity can make you sweat, which increases the chance that you don't stay properly hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water while avoiding drinks with alcohol and caffeine, which are dehydrating. You can also increase the amount of water you take in by eating foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, strawberries, or oranges. Next time you're at a local farmers market, stock up on these types of fruits! 

Would finding a new place in Florida be the highlight of your summer? Contact us today to find out about Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale and tour ones that catch your eye. Whether you're looking for a starter home, a larger home, or are ready to downsize, we can help you find a house in southwest Florida that will soon become your dream home. 

Now more than ever, it's important that we support our local businesses. Our real estate agents encourage you to shop small each week and help stimulate our hometown economy. As you browse our Bradenton and Sarasota homes for sale, we invite you to visit these unique small businesses in the area.

1. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime – 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
   Explore an indie indoor market when you visit the Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. This venue is full of one-of-a-kind gems and talented, local creators. Stop by and support them in person and visit on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday between 10 am to 3 pm. Don't feel like leaving your house? Be sure to check on their Facebook Live events to see what the bazaar has to offer virtually. 
   
   
2. Write On Sarasota – 1423 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236
   If you've ever planned a wedding, celebrated a major life event, or operated your own business, then you know that your choice of stationery is quite important. Write On Sarasota knows that wedding invitations, thank you notes, and even custom napkins can creatively express your gratitude, excitement, and brand. From general stationery to graduation announcements, birthday parties, and everything in between, Write On Sarasota will provide you with a thorough consultation and customized products to ensure that your event says exactly how you feel.  
   
   
3. Island Coffee Haus – 5350 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217
   Who doesn't love a cozy local coffee shop? Island Coffee Haus is the perfect place near Holmes Beach homes for sale to fill up your mug. The shop opened in 2012 and has been delighting locals and visitors with the cozy environment and coffee ever since. The cafe offers a locally roasted blend that includes Columbian, Mexican, and Puerto Rican beans. They also carry locally made artwork and jewelry for sale in the shop so you can support local artists while picking up your morning coffee and bagel. 
   
   
4. Toy Lab – 1529 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236
   No one knows toys like Toy Lab, Sarasota's only independent toy store. This landmark shop has toys and games for kids and adults alike, offering services and suggestions from a team that is passionate about play. Some of the brands that they carry include Playmobile, LEGO, The Manhattan Toy Company, and Ravensburger Puzzles. The folks at Toy Lab will gladly wrap your purchase if you're gifting toys to someone you care about.
   
   
5. The Siesta Key Farmers Market – 5104 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, Florida  34242
   Support local artists, photographers, and creators when you attend the Siesta Key Farmers Market. The farmers market is open to locals, and tourists from 8 am to noon on Sunday mornings. The market helps support 30+ vendors in the Siesta Key area.
   
   
6. Pure Florida Honey Company - 417 12th St. W.#104, Bradenton, Florida 34205
   Purveyors of the Sunshine State's finest local raw honey, the Pure Florida Honey Company, also carries varieties of domestic and international honey, gifts from the hive, and much more. These specialty kinds of honey, like the Brazilian Pepper or the Mangrove, make perfectly unique gifts for the foodie in your life. Stop by and see what all the buzz is about!
   
   
7. Village of the Arts – 1017 12th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
   Downtown Bradenton is home to a thriving arts scene thanks to the Artists Guild of Manatee and the Village of the Arts. Most of the Guild members are also Village residents. The Village stretches from 9th Ave West to 14th St West and offers artists the change to live, work, and play in downtown Bradenton. The commercial overlay of the Village of the Arts offers locals and visitors the perfect chance to support local arts and find one of a kind works of art right here in Bradenton. 
   
   
8. Beach Market at Coquina Beach – 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217
   Who says you can't go to the beach and a farmers market at the same time? When you go to the Beach Market at Coquina Beach, you get to enjoy an outdoor market on the southernmost beach on Anna Maria Island. Shop for jewelry, apparel, and gourmet food from local vendors. Be sure to stop by after checking out nearby Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key homes for sale. 

There are so many wonderful and remarkable small businesses to explore throughout Bradenton and Sarasota. If you'd love to live within walking distance of these fantastic shops, contact us today!

Yes, Florida is golfer heaven! If the dads in your life are golfers, what better way to spend quality time on Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, than a day on the links? Here are just of few of the many fantastic golf courses in Manatee and Sarasota Counties recommended by our real estate agents. 

1. Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch - 8255 Legacy Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34202
   Opened in 1997 with an award-winning signature design by iconic golfer Arnold Palmer, Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch has a distinguished pedigree. The 18-hole course, with its gently rolling greens, appears deceptively simple, but 100 bunkers present an intriguing challenge for even expert golfers. Legacy is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
   
   
2. Greens of Manatee - 101 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, FL 34207
   For more than 30 years, the former Heather Hills Golf Course was a popular facility in the area of Bradenton homes for sale. When Heather Hills seemed destined to close in 2008, a local non-profit group stepped in to reinvent the property as Greens of Manatee. Staffers and volunteers combine to offer a "quality recreational golfing experience" at prices affordable to all while maintaining the course's environmental beauty. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily.
   
   
3. Suncoast Golf Center & Academy - 7741 15th St. E., Sarasota, FL 34243
   At Suncoast Golf Center & Academy, their motto is, "The sun never sets on fun." Nature gets a little helping hand, as Suncoast is the only golf course around Sarasota homes for sale with stadium-quality LED lighting. Suncoast is dog-friendly, so dad can work on his game at the driving range and practice tees accompanied by his best friend. Hours are 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
4. Esplanade Golf & Country Club - 12825 Malachite Dr., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
   Esplanade Golf & Country Club, right next door to Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, is a breathtaking example of the area's natural beauty. Golfers praise the impeccable maintenance of the 18-hole course as well as the top-level customer service provided by all staff members. Tee times are available from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
   
   
5. Hawks Run Golf Course - 602 Bird Bay Dr. W., Venice, FL 34285
   Is dad an experienced golfer but you, not so much? Hawks Run Golf Course, down the street from Venice homes for sale, offers a happy medium challenging enough to keep both of you interested. Hawks Run is an 18-hole executive golf course featuring shorter holes, so you can comfortably fit in a round no matter how busy your schedule is. Play 18 holes after 2 p.m. for only $20. Hours are 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
   
   
6. Buffalo Creek Golf Course - 8100 69th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221
   While Buffalo Creek Golf Course is just minutes from Palmetto homes for sale, there are no houses around the perimeter of the grounds. As a result, time spent on the links feels like a true getaway. All of the greens were completely built in 2014 for a fresh, updated look that receives rave reviews from visiting golfers. Buffalo Creek is open daily from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

"Below par" is something to aim for in golf, but not when it comes to real estate. Contact us at Wagner Realty to get up-to-date information on the top homes around Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

Grab the Cracker Jack, warm up your mitt and get ready to stand up and cheer — spring training is coming back to the Sunshine State! Each year, some of the best teams in Major League Baseball spend two months in Florida preparing for the upcoming season. We're lucky to have two World Series championship teams call Sarasota and Bradenton home for their spring training season: the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles. 

Our REALTORS® encourage you to take advantage of the warm weather and head out to a spring training game this year. Whether you're a Pirates fan, Orioles fan, or merely a lover of America's favorite pastime, our two spring training facilities are just a few miles from downtown Sarasota and Bradenton.

• Ed Smith Stadium — 2700 12th St., Sarasota, FL 34237
  Known as Birdland South, Ed Smith Stadium has welcomed the Baltimore Orioles for the last ten years. Built-in 1989 and renovated soon after the Orioles' arrival in 2011, this ballpark once hosted the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox. As one of the best venues in the Grapefruit League, Ed Smith Stadium is within a few miles of many beautiful Sarasota homes for sale, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day walking some of the best properties in the city.
  
  
• LECOM Park — 1611 9th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  Part of the Grapefruit League, the Pittsburgh Pirates, have been coming to LECOM Park for spring training for over half of a century. This award-winning ballpark was recently renovated with enhanced fan areas, new seating, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. If you're in town searching for Bradenton homes for sale, take the afternoon off and watch the Pirates play at LECOM Park. Be sure to head five miles east to Pirate City to view the Pirates' spring training workout and practice field as well.

2020 Spring Training Games in Sarasota & Bradenton

Are you ready for a preview of the 2020 MLB season? There's no better place to watch the best teams in the league play than at LECOM Park and Ed Smith Stadium. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Games

Be sure to purchase discounted tickets in advance or gather your closest friends for a Group Ticket Package featuring preferred seating. Six-game Weekend Packages are also available, guaranteeing your same seat as the Pirates load the bases against the Yankees, Rays, Tigers, Blue Jays, and Twins! Catch the first part of spring training with these February games. 

• Feb 22 – Bradenton | Minnesota Twins
• Feb 23 – Bradenton | Detroit Tigers
• Feb 25 – Bradenton | Philadelphia Phillies
• Feb 26 – Bradenton | Boston Red Sox
• Feb 27 – Sarasota | Pittsburgh Pirates
• Feb 28 – Bradenton | Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Orioles Spring Training Games

Get ready to see the Os in action against some of the best teams in the American and National Leagues, including the 2019 World Series Champions the Washington Nationals. Pick up single-game tickets or create a 5-Game Flex Plan featuring two prime games. For the ultimate experience, purchase a Birdland South Spring Training Membership which includes access to exclusive events, early admittance to watch batting practice and reduced ticket prices on spring training games in Sarasota and regular reason games in Baltimore! Games through February include: 

• Feb 23 – Sarasota | Boston Red Sox 
• Feb 25 – Sarasota | Tampa Bay Rays 
• Feb 26 – Sarasota | Atlanta Braves
• Feb 27 – Sarasota | Pittsburgh Pirates
• Feb 28 – Bradenton | Pittsburgh Pirates
• Feb 29 – Sarasota | Miami Marlin

Spring training is one of the many things you'll love about living in the Manatee and Sarasota area. For assistance in buying and selling homes in the area, contact us today!

On your mark, get set, race! Get your running shoes ready and check out these races taking place around the Sarasota and Manatee area during February and March.

1. Sarasota Military Academy 3rd Annual Raiders Rise & Run 5K | Sat, Feb 22, 2020 — Payne State Park 2110 Adams St, Sarasota, FL 34237
   The Sarasota Military Academy is once again hosting its annual Raiders Rise & Run 5K to benefit their middle and high school Raider's teams. These young cadets have won both state and national titles, but their programs rely on continuous support from the community. The SMA Raider's Rise & Run 5K benefits these programs. If you're in the area viewing Sarasota homes for sale, join the Raiders at Payne State Park.  
   
   
2. Manasota Track Club 25K & 50K Ultra | Sat, Feb 22, 2020 — Oscar Scherer State Park 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34429
   If you've already raced 5Ks, 10Ks, or even 15Ks in the 2010s, take your running skills to the next level with the Manasota Track Club's 25K & 50K Ultra. You read it right — 25K and 50K distance races will take place at Oscar Scherer State Park. If you'd rather watch from the sidelines, pay a visit to Oscar Scherer State Park in between tours of Osprey homes for sale.
   
   
3. 11th Annual Take Stock 5K/Fun Run/ Mentor Mile | Sun, Mar 01, 2020 — 8100 Lakewood Ranch Main St., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   If you're browsing Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, you'll become very familiar with the bustling Main Street within the community. Hosting events throughout the year, March kicks off with the 11th Annual Take Stock 5K, Fun Run, and Mentor Mile on Main Street. Proceeds from all three races benefit the Take Stock in Children organization, which provides mentorship and college scholarships.
   
   
4. Shark's Tooth 10K & Shark Fin 5K | Sat, Mar 07, 2020 – Sun Mar 08, 2020 — Venice Airport Festival Grounds 610 Airport Ave. E., Venice, FL 34285
   Runners in the Shark Tooth Capital of the World are invited to participate in the Megalodon Challenge — a two-day race combining the Shark's Tooth 10K and Shark Fin 5K. Door prizes, music, and a post-race party on both days make the Megalodon Challenge one of the best weekends of the year. If you're planning on scheduling visits to Venice homes for sale, be sure to sign up for the Megalodon Challenge at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds.
   
   
5. The 2020 Sarasota-Bradenton ITU Triathlon World Cup | Sun, Mar 22, 2020 — Nathan Benderson Park 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
   If one of your goals is to complete a triathlon, you're in luck! Nathan Benderson Park and the Sarasota-Bradenton area are hosting the 2020 Sarasota-Bradenton ITU Triathlon World Cup. Conveniently close to Interstate I-75 and Sarasota homes for sale, the challenging course will take participants on a 750m swim, 18.3k bike ride, completed by a 5k run. Push yourself at this Sarasota triathlon! 
   
   
6. Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K & 10K Run | Fri, Mar 27, 2020 — Robinson Preserve 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
   The 12th Annual Annual Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K & 10K celebrates the stunning sunset views of Robinson Preserve. The event starts at 5:30 pm with age bracketed Kids Dashes. After the kids are done with their races, runners and walkers hit the trails for a 5k or 10k. Be sure to stick around after the race for food and beverages under the stars! Don't forget to register in advance and check out Bradenton homes for sale before your race time. 

Do you want to race into a new home within Sarasota and Manatee County? Our REALTORS® are here to do more than cheer you on! Contact us today!

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches — make sure this lovely occasion smells just as sweet by gifting the special someone in your life a beautiful bouquet. Sarasota and Manatee counties are blooming with flower shops offering a variety of dazzling daisies, perfect poinsettias, and amazing asters to show your partner how much they mean to you. Let these florist shops around town help make your Valentine's Day truly memorable.

1. Sue Ellen's Floral Boutique — 3522 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237
   Having worked in her family's flower shop throughout her life, Sue Ellen has spent the last 20 years serving the floral industry of Sarasota. Her new floral boutique strives to deliver exceptional service by going the extra mile to ensure that every order is fresh, on-time, and one-of-a-kind. Their delivery area encompasses the city, including the top neighborhoods with Sarasota homes for sale, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and retirement centers. 
   
   
2. Josey's Poseys Florist — 6100 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton, FL 34209 
   Serving areas near Anna Maria Island homes for sale, this locally owned shop is sure to please! Josey's Poseys Florist will deliver to your valentine a hand-arranged floral display they'll cherish this Valentine's Day. Choose the perfect one from their Valentine's Day bouquet options, and their team will do the rest!   
   
   
3. Ellenton Florist — 6214 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222
   Deliver something extra special this Valentine's Day with a little help from Ellenton Florist. Located near Ellenton homes for sale, this local florist offers free same-day delivery in the Ellenton area. Plus, their Deal of the Day makes it easy and affordable to surprise your valentine throughout the year with a beautiful bouquet crafted by floral experts. 
   
   
4. Fantasy Flowers of Lakewood Ranch — 8111 Lakewood Ranch Main St. Building J, Suite 101, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   Fantasy Flowers of Lakewood Ranch is ready to craft a dream bouquet for your significant other this Valentine's Day. They can create any sized bouquet featuring romantic roses, playful daisies, and caring carnations. Located on Main Street just feet away from brand new Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, Fantasy Flowers will help you express the feelings in your heart.
   
   
5. Bradenton Flower Shop — 5262 State Rd. 64 E., Bradenton, FL 34208
   For over 30 years, Bradenton Flower Shop has made Valentine's Day memorable. Many of their "flowers in a gift" sets include a beautiful vase that can be reused all year long. Imagine getting your partner a gorgeous group of flowers for Valentine's Day then filling the vase with more fresh florals throughout the first year you spend in one of our lovely Bradenton homes for sale.
   
   
6. Flowers By Fudgie — 6119A Clark Center Ave., Sarasota, FL 34238
   Impress your valentine with a bouquet hand-arranged by the professional florists at Flowers By Fudgie. Servicing areas near Siesta Key homes for sale, their staff is committed to customer satisfaction and crafting beautiful floral displays. Make sure to order a day in advance for Valentine's Day!   

Looking to share a home with the person you love? Contact us, and our REALTORS® will help you find a loving home.