What comes to mind when you think of Sarasota? For most of us, it's probably not the word "deadly." Sure, there's always the fear you'll get run over by a snowbird making an illegal left turn during season, or the blind faith you need in other people's abilities to use a roundabout. Other than that, our little slice of paradise mostly feels safe.

But is it? 

A new study from national maritime and resort injury law firm Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. found that Sarasota is the deadliest place in the United States to visit in the summer. The findings are based on data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Coast Guard about drownings, alcohol-related deaths, boating incidents and extreme heat, ranking cities on a 100-point risk score. Sarasota earned 90 out of 100 possible points.

The data is straightforward. Sarasota averages 17.28 drowning deaths per 100,000 people; 23 alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 people; 39.17 boating accidents per 100,000 people; and 52 extreme heat days per year—that is, days when temperatures shoot above 90 degrees. (In 2024, the United States experienced its hottest year in recorded history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.)

Did we mention that Florida is also the lightning capital of the U.S., leading the country in lightning-related deaths? Or that visitors and residents also have to be cognizant of rip currents, flesh-eating bacteria and red tide. If you're here during the spring, your allergies might be particularly bad, too—Sarasota ranked No. 25 ("worse than average")  on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's list of 2025 allergy capitals. And everyone remembers last season's catastrophic hurricane season, when Hurricanes Helene and Milton unleashed their wrath on the region in less than a two-week period.  

Wait—is Sarasota actually trying to kill us?

Well, maybe. But before we panic, let's remember how great our region is and how many "best of" lists it tops.

• This year, Siesta Key Beach was named one of the 50 best beaches in the world
• Sarasota ranked No. 4 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of "Best Places to Retire in 2025"
• Travel + Leisure named Longboat Key the best island to visit in the South for 2025 and Forbes included it among its “Top 12 Travel Destinations for 2025”
• In 2024, Siesta Key Beach and Anna Maria Island were named the best beaches in Florida by U.S. News & World Report
• Selby Gardens was named to the Wall Street Journal's list of "The Best Architecture of 2024" for Phase One of the revamp of the gardens' downtown Sarasota campus
• In 2023, Sarasota landed on a list of Florida's most Instagrammable cities
• In 2022, The New York Times included Sarasota in its list of “52 Places for a Changed World,”  highlights travel destinations where innovations in sustainability and conservation help residents and tourists achieve a better quality of life. 
• In 2021, Sarasota was named to Time magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” list
• And let's not forget that Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a Dr. Beach, ranked Siesta Beach as the best beach in the country not just once, but twice: in 2011 and in 2017

Of course you should be careful when you're swimming, boating and spending time outside, especially in the heat—and for God's sake, keep the drinking under control. But if you're going to pay attention to a list about Sarasota, at least do it from the shores of one of our beautiful beaches.