While our neighbors to the north are pulling on their heavy sweaters, Sarasotans—like this group pictured at the Bird Key Yacht Club in 1960—have always known that November is one of the best months of the year to be in Florida. This photo, snapped by famous photographer and longtime Sarasota resident Joseph Janney Steinmetz, shows off the tropical midcentury glamour of the club, which was founded in 1959. But even before that, Bird Key was a draw for the well-heeled. Circus magnate John Ringling purchased the island in 1922, as he was building his Sarasota real estate empire; his sister, Ida, made her home there. After 65 years, the original yacht club building was razed in 2025 to make way for a 21,500-square-foot, $27.5 million replacement, with expected completion in early 2027.