The 1920s

Sarasota and the Roaring '20s

Historian Jeff LaHurd describes the transformational decade that shaped Sarasota forever.

11/03/2025

Circle of Dreams

John Ringling's Vision of St. Armands Circle Lives on Today

Ringling planned to turn the tiny, isolated archipelago into a grandiose European-style residential and shopping destination.

11/03/2025 By Jeff LaHurd

Going Up

Sarasota's Skyline Rose in Stucco and Barrel Tile

The results left Sarasota with a built environment that was theatrical and forever marked by the speculative optimism that evaporated when the boom went bust in 1926.

11/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

The 1920s

The Land Boom Decade That Changed Sarasota Forever

Promises of paradise, get-rich-quick promotions, buying, developing and reselling are the threads that weave throughout the entirety of the Sunshine State’s history, including Sarasota’s.

11/03/2025 By Jeff LaHurd

Only in Sarasota

Only in Sarasota: Burns Court, Downtown Sarasota

John Pirman illustrates downtown's charming Burns Court neighborhood.

12/13/2016 Illustrations by John Pirman

Article

Dredging Altered the Landscape of Sarasota in Early 20th Century

The dredge, in years past, was a major instrument of change in Sarasota.

04/22/2015 By Larry Kelleher

Article

Czecho-Slovakian Band Played Significant Role

John Ringling himself hired the band.

03/13/2015 By Larry Kelleher

Article

As Sarasota Grew, So Did St. Martha Catholic Church

St. Martha Catholic Church began as one of a number of mission outposts served by Jesuit priests from Tampa.

07/11/2014 By Larry Kelleher

Article

Vintage Sarasota: El Vernona Hotel

This week: El Vernona Hotel, circa 1925.

05/22/2013 By Chelsey Lucas