Architect M. Leo Elliott Designed Four Iconic Sarasota Schools in 1926 and 1927
Image: Public Domain
Sarasota County’s population grew from 2,150 to 12,440 during The Great Florida Land Boom of the 1920s, according to the U.S. Census, and kids were part of that growth. County leaders hired well-known, Tampa-based architect M. Leo Elliott to design four schools, all of which are still being used today.
Image: State Archives of Florida
Bay Haven School
2901 W. Tamiami Circle
Built in 1926, the Mediterranean Revival-style building was the county’s first integrated elementary school in 1962. Now called Bay Haven School of Basic Plus, it’s a magnet elementary school.
Image: State Archives of Florida
Southside School
1901 Webber St.
Also built in 1926, this is an identical twin to Bay Haven School and is now called Southside Elementary School.
Sarasota High School
1001 S. Tamiami Trail
The iconic Collegiate Gothic school was built in 1927 and once had separate entrances for boys and girls. It is now the Sarasota Art Museum.
Image: State Archives of Florida
Osprey School
337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Designed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style in 1927, this school was once on the homestead of Spanish Point settlers. It is now part of the Historic Spanish Point complex.
