Date Archives: July 2021

School will be back in session before you know it. Of course, here in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas, that doesn't mean summer fun is over. But it does mean it's time to hit the shops for some back-to-school shopping. 

Whether you're in need of books, art supplies, clothes, or all of the above, our real estate agents know just where to look! Check out these great local stores for all your back-to-school shopping needs in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL!

• St. Armands Circle - 431 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Encircling a charming city park adorned with Italian statues, the shops at St. Armands Circle are an endlessly enjoyable place to shop. Easily explored on foot, the stores here provide for a wide range of back-to-school needs. It's an especially great area to get all your school clothes shopping done, with shops including Hatley, Modern Soul Boutique, Crazy Shirts, and Little Bo-Tique. The shops at St. Armands Circle offer some of the best shopping opportunities on the Gulf Coast, just a stone's throw from many Sarasota homes for sale.
  
  
• The Mall at University Town Center - 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
  One of the largest shopping centers in the Sarasota area, the Mall at University Town Center has a shop for just about anything you might need. Stock up on school supplies at Paper Source, make sure your kids have the latest technology at the Apple Store, and hit the Gap and Gap Kids for all their back-to-school clothes. The mall is packed with fun dining options too, and there are plenty of attractions here for the whole family. 
  
  
• The Paper Inn - 5917 Manatee Ave W #609, Bradenton, FL 34209
  For the young artist in your family, Bradenton's The Paper Inn is one of the best places in the area to stock up on back-to-school supplies! This beloved local art supply and stationery store offers a wide range of essentials for budding artists, and they even host their own arts and crafts classes. The Paper Inn is located a short drive from many Bradenton homes for sale and is also one of the area's best destinations to find crafting and scrapbooking supplies. 
  
  
• Bookstore1 - 12 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
  A good bookstore offers something for everyone, and Bookstore1 is a great bookstore. You'll find great reads here for every interest and every age group, from pre-K kids just learning their letters to college students looking to stock up for their Humanities classes. The folks at Bookstore1 have made it their mission to be Sarasota's best independent bookstore, and their friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find anything you're looking for. 
  
  
• Children's World - 4525 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
  Children's World is the top destination in Sarasota for school uniforms. But it's also much more than that. They're also an amazing resource for all kinds of school accessories, books, supplies, toys, and games. You'll find a vast selection of everything your kids need to learn, grow and explore, both at school and at home. Children's World has been serving the Florida Gulf Coast since 1964, and they frequently host in-store play days for kids as well. 

Contact us today to learn more about life on the Gulf Coast of Florida and talk to our real estate agents about all the unique opportunities our area has to offer. We can't wait to help you find your dream home in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas!

Lakewood Ranch is definitely the place to be this summer. There are so many enjoyable activities that are open to the public, from yoga classes to soccer games. If you're looking at Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, we recommend checking out some of these nearby summer activities. 

• Yoga in the Park: 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
  Yoga is great exercise for the body and the mind. Not only do the poses stretch and strengthen your muscles, but they also help you relax and focus. Yoga in the Park takes place at Bob Gardner Community Center. Classes last from 9:00 - 10:00 am, and upcoming dates include August 8th and August 29th.
  
  There's no charge to participate in Yoga in the Park. Participants are asked to bring their own mats, water bottles, and towels. You can pre-register here.
  
  
• Midday Volleyball: 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
  If you need a break from the hustle and bustle on Wednesdays, stop by Summerfield Community Park for a Midday Volleyball game, lasting from 11 am - 12 pm. You can pre-register here, and all are welcome.
  
  Teams of 2 - 6 people will compete on the sand volleyball courts. There's a light-hearted, casual atmosphere.
  
  
• Barre in the Park: 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
  Barre classes are so effective at teaching poise and balance. You're guaranteed to be sweating by the end of the session, too! Barre in the Park takes place at Bob Gardner Community Park between 9 am and 10 am. Upcoming dates include August 1st and August 22nd. 
  
  There's no charge for Barre in the Park, but participants are asked to register here. Bring a mat, water, and a towel to class, and be prepared for a fun workout! You'll find the class near the main playground. 
  
  
• Lakewood Ranch Summer Camp: 14534 Arbor Green Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
  If you're looking for a fun way to keep your kids entertained this summer, consider sending them to Lakewood Ranch Summer Camp at the Goddard School. This is a STEAM-themed camp that will teach kids all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Children will learn by participating in fun, hands-on activities.
  
  Lakewood Ranch Summer Camp takes place daily from 7 am - 6 pm. You can learn more and register your child on their website. The Goddard School has been dedicated to play-based learning since 1988, and their summer camp is a great way for your child to experience that.
  
  
• USYS National Championships: 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
  The United States Youth Soccer National Championships are taking place July 18 - 25th at the Premier Sports campus. If your kids are interested in soccer, watching some of the games is bound to be exciting. Group Play is scheduled for July 20 - 22, and the Finals for July 25th.
  
  If you're looking at Sarasota homes for sale, this tournament is just minutes away. You can stop by to watch just one game, or spend a whole day watching and learning more about soccer.
  
  

Lakewood Ranch is such an active, welcoming community. You can fill your schedule with these activities and truly get involved. If you're looking for a home in the area, our real estate agents can help. Contact us to learn more about the real estate market or things to do in Lakewood Ranch.

Living in Florida is truly living the dream! Living close to the water and being able to enjoy it almost year-round is one of the benefits of living here. As the summer weather heats up, be sure to test your boating safety know-how before you hit the water. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents to help keep you safe this summer.

• Wear a Life Jacket
  Hands down, the most important safety precaution you can take on a boat is to make sure all passengers are wearing life jackets. Even if you are a good swimmer, you could be knocked unconscious or become disoriented if you're thrown from the boat. Also, make sure you get a life jacket that fits properly, especially for kids. It won't do you any good if it comes off when you hit the water.
  
  
• Prepare a Boat Safety Kit
  Life jackets may be the most important, but they're only one of the things you need on board in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to have emergency items such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, a flashlight, duct tape, rope, a bucket, and a mirror, and a whistle for signaling if you need help.
  
  
• Beware of Carbon Monoxide
  Carbon monoxide is as much of a concern on a boat as it is in your home. You'll have to be very aware of the risk of carbon monoxide created by your engine. Be wary of things like blocked exhaust outlets or idling your engine while sitting still, and have your engine checked regularly to ensure everything is in good working order.
  
  
• Check the Weather
  Even in beautiful Florida, the weather can sometimes be a hazard. A beautiful day near Bradenton homes for sale won't always stay beautiful, and getting caught in a storm could turn that beautiful, relaxing boat ride into a fight for survival. Always check the weather forecast before venturing out onto the water.
  
  
• Have Your Boat Checked Yearly
  Just like with your car or the HVAC system in your house, it's important to have your boat checked out regularly to make sure everything is in good operating condition. A safety check ensures that everything from emergency equipment, to ventilation, to your boat's battery are all present and functioning properly. It's a good idea to have regular checks and maintenance done on the mechanical components as well.
  
  
• Take a Boating Safety Course
  Want to really make sure you are prepared to hit the water? Enroll in a boating safety course. You can find them both online and in person. The idea is to ensure you know common safety procedures, how to prevent common accidents, and are prepared in case of an emergency.

Florida may be like living in paradise, but it's still up to all of us to make sure our favorite activities stay safe and fun for everyone. Looking for your dream home among the Sarasota homes for sale? We can help with that, too! Contact us today for more information about buying and selling homes in Florida.

Happy birthday, Sarasota County! We love calling this area home and are excited to celebrate this occasion. Sarasota County was formed on July 1, 1921, but the celebration is lasting all month long, and then some! Join our real estate agents in celebrating the centennial with these exciting events and activities taking place around Sarasota homes for sale.

• Venice Museum & Archives - 351 Nassau St. S., Venice, FL 34285
  What was Sarasota like during its formative years? Take a visual tour with Celebrating a Centennial: The Origins of Sarasota, a current exhibit at Venice Museum & Archives. Photos tell the story of Sarasota's origin and development, along with the specific role played by Venice. While you're there, check out the other exhibits that give a fascinating glimpse of architecture, nature, and other features of the area. Celebrating a Centennial runs through January 12, 2022. Hours are 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and admission is free.
  
  
• The Ringmaster's Wife - Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Sarasota served as the home of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Ringmaster's Wife turns the spotlight on Mable Ringling, wife of John Ringling. An authentically dressed presenter will share Mable's first-hand perspective behind the scenes of "The Greatest Show on Earth." Light refreshments will be served and former mayors of Sarasota will be on hand for a meet-and-greet. The presentation takes place on Thursday, October 21, from 9 a.m. - noon. Admission is free.
  
  
• Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale - Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL 34241
  Sarasota's natural beauty is one of the biggest draws for residents and visitors. Beautify your own home with purchases at the Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale. The annual event is held by the IFAS Extension of the University of Florida to promote sustainable gardening. This year's event will have some added flair as part of the centennial celebration. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 9, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Admission is free.
  
  
• Sarasota County Auto Tours 
  Learn the backstory behind Sarasota's top landmarks with Sarasota County Auto Tours. This new app, offered by the Sarasota County Centennial Committee, provides travel directions and audio narration that allow you to explore these points of interest at your own pace. Eight tours are available, each with its own specific focus. Areas covered include Bayfront, Downtown, and 5 Points, and Phillippi. Download the free app at Google Play for Android or the App Store for iPhone. 
  
  
• Avenue of Art - Burns Square, 543 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
  What does Sarasota mean to you? In conjunction with the centennial, founders of the iconic Chalk Festival are sponsoring the Avenue of Art. Participants of all ages are filling the sidewalks in Burns Square with paintings that depict their vision of Sarasota County. Stroll the area any time of day or night to view these personal works of art. A QR code that displays information about the artist and the painting is being added to each completed work. The project will remain on display until September 30, prior to the Chalk Festival's "Spirited Festivities" over Halloween weekend. Budding artists can apply on the website. Donations of $10 for adults and $5 for students are welcome.

Ready to be a part of Sarasota County's next 100 years? If you're buying or selling a home, contact us at Wagner Realty to get started.