Photos: 125 Years of Sarasota Swimsuits
Image: FloridaMemory.com
From the time of its discovery in the 1800s right up to today, our region has always been known as a slice of seaside paradise—and with that comes the desire to dip in the turquoise waters of the Gulf, especially during the dog days of summer.
But oh, how swimsuits have changed over the past century! From full Victorian formalwear to the rise of the bikini in the 1960s, we've rounded up (nearly) 125 years' worth of swimwear on local beaches to look back on.
An important note: Until the mid-20th century, Black residents weren't allowed on local beaches due to segregation. Members of the Newtown community participated in wade-ins and beach walks in protest, but segregated beaches weren't eradicated until the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
And, of course, we can't forget the local war on thongs in the '90s, too—more on that here.
The one thing that hasn't changed? The fact that we live in paradise. Happy scrolling.
Early 1900s: Indian Beach
1911: Anna Maria Island
1917: Anna Maria Island
1922: Bradenton Beach
1925: Bradenton Beach
1930s: An Early Florida Black Beach
1948: Lido Casino
Image: State Archives of Florida
1956: Lido Beach
Image: State Archives of Florida
1950s and '60s: Lido Beach
Image: Newtown Alive
1961: Sarasota
Image: State Archives of Florida
1966: Sarasota Marina (Marina Jack)
Image: State Archives of Florida
1970: Bradenton Yacht Club
1973: Sugar Creek Compound
1976: Longboat Key
Image: State Archives of Florida
1980: Manatee Public Beach
1990: Siesta Key Beach
Image: Courtesy Photo
1996: Coquina Beach
2015: Lido Beach
Image: Mark Farmwald
