COLUMNS CREW CUTS: SARASOTA & BRADENTON

AirTran Airways' Geyson Rosario explains why you should escape to the sunny shores of Sarasota & Bradenton.

Q&A BY PIERS TOWNLEY

It’s the best of the beach life in Sarasota & Bradenton, FL that keeps the smile on Geyson Rosario’s face. For this AirTran Airways customer service representative, there’s nowhere else he’d rather be.

What do you think makes Sarasota & Bradenton so special?

It’s the tropical weather and feeling. You just can’t beat it for lifting your spirits. There’s also an amazing cultural diversity, unbelievable food variety and the phenomenal Gulf Coast location. Even the passing visitor goes home with the “Wow!” factor.

The dish on Sarasota & Bradenton dishes.

First things first—seafood! The freshness of the seafood in the area is incredible. The Tommy Bahama Restaurant over at St Armands Key (about two miles from downtown Sarasota) has a great lunch and dinner menu. It’s a little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for, and the coconut shrimps are very tasty. On the Bradenton side, you have to visit BoneFish Grill. It’s great for a romantic, intimate dinner and only a couple of minutes from the beach. The Latino population in the area has also played a big role in the local food. Columbia Restaurant is great, and Cha Cha Coconuts serves dishes to die for.

And to the main attraction—the beach.

After living in Orlando for 11 years, I understand why northerners appreciate Florida so much during the winter months. I live about four miles from Anna Maria Island. The SRQ airport is only seven miles from Lido Beach in Lido Key, right next to St Armands Key. Both beaches are covered with powdery white sand and have crystal-clear waters. Siesta Key is right down the road and has its own hidden beauty. Only 40 minutes up the road, you’ll find St Petersburg Beach, Pass-A-Grille Beach and Treasure Island; just to name a few. And that’s not to mention the amount of fishing you can do at any of the beaches. The variety of relaxing and adventure makes the area unique.

Where’s the best place to head for some nightlife?

If a walk on the beach under the stars with that special someone is not enough, downtown Sarasota offers a range of clubs and bars. For a wild night out, St Petersburg, just a short drive up the road, has everything for everyone—trust me, I’m up there every other weekend!

For children visiting the area?

Sarasota & Bradenton are ideal cities for families that like to get away from it all and enjoy quality time with their loved ones. Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island is the perfect place to give the kids their first swimming lesson in calm, perfect-temperature waters (just make sure that you bring plenty of sunblock). Over on the Sarasota side, Sarasota Jungle Gardens exposes all ages to local wildlife. Circus Sarasota, which is in town during the month of February, is a great affordable family event. The Ringling Museum of Art is also a great educational experience for everyone.

If you only had 24 hours here, what three things must you do?

First, pick a beach, any beach. Florida’s west coast is known for its beautiful beaches. Lido Beach over in Lido Key is famous for its sand dollars. They are everywhere. Second, shopping at the Ellenton Prime Outlets is a must. Only a 20-minute drive from the SRQ airport means it’s easy and convenient for anyone who wants to expand their clothing collection. Finally, fill up at Columbia Restaurant on St Armands Circle in St Armands Key. The diverse menu, specializing in Latin cuisine, and great location will leave you wanting to come back to Sarasota & Bradenton every summer, fall, winter and spring, year after year.

How to find your bearings in the city when you first arrive?

Sarasota & Bradenton are located about 45 minutes south of downtown Tampa, and the SRQ airport is conveniently located between Sarasota and Bradenton. With two major state highways, the I-75 and I-275, close by, and Route 41 just outside the airport, getting to the beaches, restaurants and other cities couldn’t be any easier.