In January 2014, the MSC Foundation convened for a grant giving ceremony honoring twenty-seven local organizations whose dedication and hard work contribute to making the Gulf Coast a better community for those who live here. At that time, we wanted to delve a little deeper and find out how the efforts of our Michael Saunders & Company agents and staff directly affect certain organizations and individuals. We took the opportunity to interview three grant recipients and Foundation contributors.  Watch [...]

It may be February but on the Gulf Coast it feels as though spring has arrived! The mild temperatures and blue skies seem to be begging us to step outdoors, take a deep breath, and climb a tree (well, maybe not the tree part). [...]

It’s no coincidence that Venice, Florida shares its name with the legendary City of Canals. In the late 1800’s a prominent Gulf Coast pioneer, Frank Higel, suggested the name “Venice” because he was moved by the scenic bayous, creeks, and canals leading out to the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The name, Venice, was accepted [...]

One of the most eagerly-awaited trends in the region’s real estate market appears to finally be taking hold.  For the past six months, the overall inventory of properties for sale throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties has risen steadily; providing a good measure of relief from the acute shortage that has stymied buyers for nearly two years. [...]

When I first discovered Towles Court in Sarasota it was very much by accident. This lovely artist colony is kind of like Narnia - an enchanting destination that you wouldn’t even know existed unless you happened to stumble upon it. In fact, even once you know it’s there, it can be hard to replicate your journey and find it once more. [...]

 

All great stories of romance have one thing in common, and that is an unforgettable setting. From the breathtaking beauty of Tara Plantation in Gone with the Wind, to the graceful balcony beneath which Romeo professed his love for Juliet, iconic backdrops have inspired tales of romance for centuries.

Florida's Gulf Coast, with its delicately swaying palms, soothing Bay breezes and sun swept beaches, could easily provide the romantic locale for such tales of passion. And [...]

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Anna Maria Island is as easy-going as a woven hammock swaying gently in the tropical breeze. Many people are drawn to Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County for our beaches and sunny blue skies, but only on Anna Maria Island do you truly get the sense that you are away from it all. Endless white sand beaches mix with “old Florida” charm [...]

Each month at The Saunders Blog, we channel our inner Barbara Walters and pose a series of questions to the agents, staff or management of Michael Saunders & Company. Here, we interview Dina Van Duyne, who this March will be celebrating her 36^th year with the company – that’s almost as long as Michael herself! Officially, Dina is the [...]