Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has named historian and author Jeff LaHurd the Sarasota County Tourism & Hospitality "Voice of Sarasota" recipient. LaHurd, the former history specialist for Sarasota County, has lived in the city of Sarasota since 1950 and is nationally recognized for his work. He has written 17 books about the history of the community, plus numerous articles that have appeared in national and international publications. LaHurd is also a board member of  the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, the Sarasota Historical Society, the Sarasota Community Blood Bank, and the Downtown Kiwanis Club.

LaHurd was honored during the 38th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). Hosted by the U.S. Travel Association, this year's theme was "the power of travel."