For devotees of virtually every major competitive sport—that doesn’t require snow for its playing surface—it’s a safe bet you will find plenty of activities throughout [...]

It was just May 2013 when Mary Smedley joined Michael Saunders & Company and became Manager of the Englewood office. Since then, she’s been making some wonderful waves – and not just through Charlotte Harbor. Her enthusiastic approach with others has already garnered an impressive list of accomplishments. Thanks to Mary’s [...]

For many, St. Armands Circle is the center of Sarasota. I spoke with Kathleen Hurley, a Midwest native, who used to vacation on this barrier island on the coast of Sarasota as a young child. In her adult years, she came back to town and grew very confused when she discovered there was a bridge to the mainland…and a place called [...]

The 86^th Oscars are just a few days away, and that means show stopping gowns, $55,000 dollar gift bags and a star studded red carpet. But behind all the glitz and glamour, it’s really about Hollywood’s finest coming together to honor their achievements in the film industry. Here at [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]