2025

If you've already read Part 1, you know what to expect: cozy evenings, zero frostbites, and lights that bounce off the bay. Here are four more Sarasota and Manatee county events to round out December - from boats and big tops to gifts you can't find at the mall. Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Since 1986, a fleet of decked-out boats has lit up Sarasota Bay while thousands watch from Bayfront...

Florida holidays aren’t about snowdrifts and parkas. They’re about warm nights, waterfront views, and lights you can actually enjoy without freezing. If you're in Sarasota/Bradenton for the holidays, these four picks deliver maximum cheer with minimal hassle. Holidays at UTC UTC turns the season into a nightly ritual: synced light shows, Friday/Saturday outdoor movies, a real ice rink (because we...

A lot of people think vacation rental success is just about clean sheets and working Wi-Fi. Sure, those things matter, but what really makes guests rave about their stay? Easy access to incredible dining experiences they can't get back home. Longboat Key isn't just another Florida beach town when it comes to food. This barrier island has quietly built a surprisingly diverse dining scene, and if you're...

Most people scroll through beach house photos and book based on looks alone. Then they show up to discover the "beachfront" property requires a 15-minute trek through neighborhoods, or the "quiet retreat" sits next to a construction zone. Finding the right Sarasota beach house isn't about pretty pictures. It's about matching your actual vacation style to the right Key, with the right access, and none of...

Think about your favorite place to stay. It’s probably not the cheapest one you’ve ever booked, right? You keep going back because it feels right. That’s because guests don’t fall in love with things. They fall in love with experiences. And this is where experiential branding comes in, because people don’t keep coming back for a checklist of amenities. They come back for how a place made them...

Because Sarasota and Manatee are coastal and low-lying, every property sits in a FEMA-mapped flood zone - some high risk, some moderate or low. FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 prices flood insurance on actual, property-specific risk (distance to water, ground elevation, flood type), not just the old zone letter. Standard homeowners and renters policies don't cover floods (including storm surge or surface water)....

If renters have to choose between two places and one has voice-controlled lighting, smart locks, and occupancy sensors, guess where they’re staying? Exactly. People aren’t just looking for clean sheets and a working shower anymore. They want convenience, security, and customization. That means being able to walk in, ask the lights to turn on, lock the door with their phone, and never think twice about...

If you're managing or owning rental property and still ignoring green upgrades, you're leaving both money and demand on the table. Renters want to feel good about where they live. People are paying more attention to sustainability, especially younger tenants and long-term renters. Properties that offer eco-friendly features stand out in crowded rental markets, not just because they're greener, but because...

Even if you're only in Sarasota for a few hours, there’s still so much you can soak up without rushing. This part of Florida’s Gulf Coast has a rhythm that’s calm but never boring. Whether you're in town for a sports event, business trip, or full-on beach getaway, this guide is here to help you make the most of your time, no matter how little of it you have. And by the way, almost every experience...

A lot of people think property management is just about fixing leaky taps and collecting rent. Yes, those things indeed matter, but there’s a whole other side to it that most people never see. Especially when you’re talking about real investment protection, the kind that actually makes your property grow in value instead of draining your time and money. At Jennette Properties, that’s exactly what we...