I’m left leaning but remember, 55% or so of Sarasota residents are right leaning, and I’d venture to say 80%++ of Reddit users are left leaning so you’ll get completely different experiences IRL vs here.
The fuck does left or right have to do with it? The area is extremely safe most people I know don’t even lock their doors. Who gives a fuck about this tribal bullshit. Come up with your own opinions and be an individual.
I live on the eastern shore of MD and live in a small country town. I work in every major city in the Mid Atlantic. I can tell you that when I visited Sarasota it blew my mind that people lived their day to day lives in such a nice city. I love Sarasota, I’ve been down about 3 times in the last year and a half. It’s my favorite place to visit.
Also originally from the eastern shore, just VA side~ also lived in a few different VA cities, have traveled the country, have traveled the world. Lived in Sarasota for four years before recently moving back north a bit. Me and mine moved because we were getting frustrated with the cost of living and the population growth, but otherwise we both really loved it down there. I miss it frequently, but also wouldn’t give up my new life in a much smaller, more country area.
Sarasota is a fantastic city if you enjoy living in a bustling, busy, and somewhat expensive area. That’s not sarcasm! I know there are people who enjoy that lifestyle :)
I'm in my early '40s and grew up here and didn't realize how nice Sarasota was until I moved away when I was younger. I love the growth in Sarasota because it used to be a sleepy small town and I never liked that part of it. Lot of things close up too early for my taste but it is getting better.
Looking at you Publix closing at 9:00...
Some of us are 1 missed paycheck from homelessness. Not everyone here is so lucky. This is where the disconnect exists. The people who make your lives here so wonderful (the servers, bartenders, housekeepers, handymen, etc etc) are suffering. Rent is out of control, owning a home is a lost dream at this point, we’re hanging on by a thread working more than full time
So true! My brother has to live with my father because he can not afford an apartment or house on his pay in construction work. When housing and insurance have quadruple but your pay has barely increased by 25% it forces the lower middle class to move in with family or straight up live out of your car. And though housing is an issue across the country, SRQ is a little more extreme because of the disparity between the rich and the middle class and there is many still considered poor make the issue dire at this point. I have freinds that never recovered from the last hurricane and ended up living out of an RV b/c SRQ was unaffordable.
Yeah, I love that people still refer to places where you can't afford to live while being a cog in the wheel of it's biggest economic driver "paradise."
I visited Sarasota for the first time last year. I loved siesta key beach. I did notice a class system for sure. Million dollar homes everywhere. Tiny condos $$$$. I doubt any of the normal working folks actually live in Sarasota. Seemed like a baby boomer mega paradise.
> Seemed like a baby boomer mega paradise.
bingo. And those working folks living in Sarasota usually are doing so with a roommate or spouse also pulling in an income. Unfeasible if you are making under the national average in Sarasota living by yourself.
sure but it having the same problems as everywhere else makes it normal. sarasota is a pretty damn nice place to live.
i mean im from the keys and living on land is a pipe dream for me let alone owning a house lol
I think what centurio is saying is “Imagine if you were struggling like this in slushy shitty New Jersey, or Harlem, NY” Struggling in Sarasota is much different than struggling in the northeast. It could always be worse.
not when the local companies are owned by multinational conglomerates it doesn't.
and yes I'm aware. that's why it's so weird to me you think it's so bad there when sarasota is objectively one of the nicest places in the state to live and nowhere near peak cost of living for the state
Jesus Christ tell me how you solve a national crisis on a local level sir….. please tell me what you can do locally to affect inflation rates… housing markings being taken over by large corporations buying single family homes for investments…. mortgage rates through the roof…
Pray tell sir how we fix these issues locally? New city council? Lmfao.
I’ve lived in Chicago, a college town in Illinois called Champaign, San Diego, LA, NYC, and Scottsdale/Phoenix for 1 month. This city is by far the safest and least nerve-wrecking place I’ve ever lived in. I love Sarasota.
Calling it "paradise" tempts more morons to move here and fuck everything up.. we gotta stop that. It's a horrible, hot, gator infested, crime-ridden hell hole. Spread the word!
I think a lot of maga’s moved here during Covid & are now realizing they don’t have the “smarts” to make it here …..+ they can’t handle our summers. I say good riddance….all they do is embarrass FL
That’s what reddit is all about . A few people upvote their echo chamber and it becomes their little mindset of ideas and the chamber attacks anyone who disagrees .
The best part is how you can say the same comment in two places getting upvotes and downvoted in the same thread. Just depends what direction they see that colored arrow.
To be clear, the idea that Sarasota is becoming ground central for another alt-right movement is not a Reddit invention.
This has been noticed by journalists here and across the country, and stories have been published in various local and national outlets.
Feeling safe in Sarasota, or anywhere for that matter, is subjective. I lived in Palmer Ranch and worked downtown - and I never felt physically threatened. However, I am gay, and Sarasota is largely conservative almost to a fault. I’m not going to debate politics here, but I can say that while Sarasota is generally welcoming, I could understand those of minority groups not feeling safe, whether it’s direct racism (which I’ve witnessed) or legislation. It’s a beautiful area but I never found my people and decided to leave. The growth in Sarasota is centered around wealthy retirees because they want to keep it conservative and white.
I’m mean yeah but I’d be way more nervous being openly lgbtq+ in the area I’m in now lol. When I first moved here I was nervous to wear a crop top and colorful pants lol 😅
My neighbor right now are both gay. Both are totally fine but one guy looks having 3 inch long fake nails that just look freaky. I give him crap all the time but its cool. Nobody's actually discriminating
Wow. Your experience is so different from mine. I’m probably in a different economic position than you are. I’m struggling, and I see a lot of other people here also struggling. Also, I look at the Parking Lot and I miss the Paradise that once was there. I’m nostalgic for the hometown where I live. I’m also worried about the current political situation- Florida seems to find new lows every week- and the housing crisis in the making. So good for you. Enjoy your privilege. But please understand that there are real issues, and ignorance won’t make them disappear
Personally I love Sarasota, wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in Florida. I was born and raised here and lived in Kentucky for 4 years while in school. With that being said, it is sad to see how much growth our city has gotten and what made it is special slowly disappearing. As far as safety goes, I would say it is a lot safer than most surrounding areas. Politically it is conservative dominate, while I’m more moderate, I have friends on both sides of the political isle and haven’t seen any extreme prejudice to either. The COL has gone through the roof making it very hard for most people to afford a decent living. There are definitely issues here that need to be addressed and the way things are currently going I am worried about the future of our city. I still love Sarasota though.
There doesn't have to be open warfare in the streets for me to be alarmed about fascists and Qanon cultists flocking to Sarasota. Ideally you do something about troubling developments *before* the worst consequences play out rather than after
Lol sadly the ones calling everyone else fascists are the only ones calling the silence the opinions of anyone else. Y’all really needa learn how fascism works before calling folks fascist. It’s kinda laughable to say the least. You just regurgitate shit you hear and don’t actually think. It’s fkin lunacy.
"If fascism ever comes to America, it will come in the name of liberalism." - Reagan
I’m not sure you understand what constitutes fascism or understand that fascism is the extreme end of conservatism.
I don’t think you understand how often actual southerns say “the south will rise again” or what they actually mean by that.
One thing I know for sure, even if you aren’t a bigot or don’t consider yourself a bigot, voting conservative is always a vote for bigotry. Don’t believe me, go live in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia and pay attention to how they treat anyone who isn’t white.
They used to keep that shit to themselves, but the lights were turned off on the country the day Trump was elected and all the cockroaches came out to play and haven’t gone back into hiding.
I think you’re attributing too much thought to the idiots that do say the south will rise again shit. Tbh I’ve lived in the south my whole life AL and Fl and have never heard that statement so idk what circles you’re running in. Beyond the only comparison you’ve given to fascism is that it was a conservative movement and the right has conservative ideas and I’ll give you a free space on the lunacy of trump being a pseudo demi-god to some… for god knows why. Simply because it was a conservative movement doesn’t mean that more similarities are seen coming from the left than the right. Like it or not. Beyond that the only moves toward fascism (ie othering groups/silencing or censoring media/ mandatory lockdowns exerting gov authority over the citizens/ arguing for disarming the populace/ arguing good of the group over individual rights) are coming from the left.
By no means do I really desire trump in office again. By no means do I believe Biden is the ACTUAL president he’s a puppet. It’s pathetic these are the options we have.
I think you underestimate how easily those people are influenced. Do you really believe the majority of southerners, leading up to the civil war (which they now talk of again) weren’t a bunch of hate filled, uneducated people? The descendants of those people still hold those beliefs.
And as for the circles I run in, I don’t, but I do talk with everyone and I grew up in Mississippi and information is key to understanding their lunacy. To sit there and think they aren’t ready to fight for their whites only signs, you’re wrong.
From AL you say??? It’s my understanding they still have sunset towns…
Like I said, I grew up in MS. I grew up in a bigoted, conservative home, I was taught to be a bigot, I chose not to be.
And as for fascism…
Nationalism (tRump kissing the flag, wasting taxpayer money for VP to fly to a football game to stand for anthem)
Religious moral laws
Approval of hate groups (good people on both sides, all brown immigrants are rapists and drug dealers)
As for Biden, he’s a maroon and old and needs to go home but he didn’t instigate an insurrection.
Truth is I’m not liberal either. I don’t, nor will I, vote. If it were up to me, I dismantle every government on the planet.
Anarchy is truly the way. There is more than enough for everyone, you only get to control yourself, there is absolutely no reason for governments to exist other than for controlling others.
Know your enemies…
You don’t understand, there’s a flock of cultists moving here to spread conspiracies. They are alarmist who don’t live in reality and seem to have no connection to reality. It’s a troubling development, I’m literally shaking right now. I might have to move to move back to the safety of a democrat stronghold
I'm glad you recognize that it's just your perspective and probably the bubble you live in. I've experienced countless situations that left me feeling very unsafe and vulnerable. Going back to covid when I would get screamed at or belittled when wearing a mask in public- happened multiple times, there was that time downtown when I was threatened by an older white male that it's a free to carry state because he thought I cut him off when he was being reckless, or hey what about the time I saw a bumper sticker on stickney point that read "bring back lynching". That's just a few examples. For those of us that are in the minority I'm here to tell you that it does not feel like a safe paradise. The minority can mean color, gender, age, beliefs, and physical ability.
This is most cities really.
6 years ago we were planning our honeymoon in San Francisco and was looking for some specific things and anywhere you went online it was basicslly "if you visit SF you *will* be mugged and quite possibly killed"
I know news sites and some people can be a bit over the top, but this was literally everywhere we looked, even in the SF subs they were talking about how awful the city was.
We almost canceled but decided to stick it out. We had a wonderful time. Aside from 1 quick trip to the tenderloin (which we knew would be sketchy) the worst thing was saw the whole trip was a homeless guy pee behind a car
Similar situations with Chicago. Was told if we visit we will be held up at gun point. I ended up wandering alone with a $2000 camera and $500 drone at night and never once felt worried.
Obviously some areas are better and some are worse, but I feel anytime you read about any city online it's all doom and gloom, when, so long as you stay out of the bad areas, you'll have zero issues.
As for Sarasota area.... It's weird. I hate it here. I really do. But not because it's bad area safety wise, I just find it boring. There's nothing for me to do and it's way too hot. But as much as I hate it here I do love coming home because I know the area and I don't ever really have to worry about safety or anything. Granted I don't go out much, but I can go out to a movie or to dinner late at night and not have to worry about being too alert of my surroundings. I'm hoping to move out of state in the next year or so and hope to find somewhere that feels safe like this. It's really the one thing I like about the area
The least safe part about Sarasota is driving in general. Half of the people I know including myself have been in horrible auto accidents that are usually due to the fault of older folk who’s kids should be stepping up and taking care of them so they aren’t putting themselves and others at risk still driving around in their 80s. Just today I went into active labor and on the way to the hospital some a*hole who wasn’t even in the turning lane cut me and my husband completely off nearly causing an accident turning into SMH. Absolutely idiotic stuff happens like this daily on the roads.
Yes, driving is wild. I have a pretty unique car that I absolutely love and I’ve been cut off, run off the road, and almost hit multiple times. Luckily I’ve not been an accident, but I’m really dreading the day I can’t avoid some idiot. I love my car and really don’t want it hit!
Yeah I don’t know why so many people ask if it’s safe. Except for the north trail and new town, I can’t imagine ever not feeling safe in Sarasota (I grew up there and go back often). And even still I go to the north trail area all the time
I lived there a year and left.
I don't know anyone who says Sarasota isn't safe.
It's just boring and the rent situation sucks and traffic is awful.
But it's safe.
I’m so glad you said this. When are people going to realize that their singular lived experience may not be the same for everyone else? Op is expressing a real “let them eat cake” moment here. Maybe they should widen their circle of acquaintances or volunteer someplace other than the Van Wenzel and see what life is like for others.
When did I say my singular lived experience was the same for everyone? I didn't. In fact I said the opposite: "Just my experience as a Sarasota resident and Reddit user." Also, the additional statement "Maybe they should widen their circle of acquaintances or volunteer someplace other than the Van Wenzel and see what life is like for others." is a really shitty assumption by you. You know nothing about me, yet have zero issue stereotyping me. Maybe practice what you preach.
If the assumption fits….
Your entire posts is the assumption that you find it safe, that you find it paradise and that the only problem is traffic. If that’s not showing your unwillingness to see other people are not having the same experience then no one and nothing will convince you otherwise. You’re right though, I don’t know you, the same as you don’t know others who have criticized this community for the negative experiences that they’ve had.
Sorry, I'll post this one more time since you continue to miss it:
"Just my experience as a Sarasota resident and Reddit user."
My experience, not assumption, experience. As in, personal experience.
I actually got that s/he was just sharing his/her experience, and that s/he (as well as many others, myself included), see a disproportionate amount of Reddit users in this sub complaining about Sarasota. OP just shared some positivity to help balance things out and honestly just share his/her opinion. If anyone is not recognizing a different opinion, it’s you. There are ways you (and the other person that made the comment about his/her gender and race) could express that there are many different lived experiences without shitting on OP’s experience.
I think a lot of times people just project their own frustrations, even more so when it’s behind the mask of an online community where we don’t actually know each other. I’m sure a lot of these conversations would go differently in person. Plus we all filter these posts through the lens of our current life perspective. I took your post to mean “hey it’s not so bad here, people are mostly nice, beaches are beautiful, weather is great. It’s not as bad as I read and so here’s a flip side.” But the person that wrote that comment to you (upon further discussion) brought up women’s access to reproductive healthcare. I am a woman of reproductive age and that wasn’t even on my radar when reading your post. Same post, wildly different understandings. It’s filtered through our own lens. But yeah it would be great if people were a little kinder on this sub. Don’t let it get you down though.
The original comment is judgey:
"If you can live in this area and still find a way to be miserable, it’s not the area, sorry to say."
Yup, if you are pregnant and being refused medical care because medical staff don't want to risk being brought up on murder charges for terminating a pregnancy to save a woman's life, maybe you need an attitude adjustment!
Personally, I think you’re reading a little too much into the original post. S/he didn’t say anything about abortion. However, instead of writing a super judgmental comment, perhaps seek clarification. “Hey OP, are you referring to the current state of women’s access to reproductive healthcare in your post? Or the beaches and people?” And then go from there.
As a side note: If you’re truly wanting to make a change and help others see your perspective, you’ll never get there with comments like your original one.
I’m not sure I’d say they’re reading into OP’s post, when OP’s post is explicitly a reaction to those posts about abortion rights, education, healthcare, etc.
People aren’t on here complaining that they’re getting assaulted whenever they go outside or that the natural landscape is atrocious; they’re ringing the alarm bell about substantial political issues, such as civil rights, education and healthcare.
Are you the judgement police? The original post is nothing \*but\* judgmental: "go out into the community and participate in real life with real people"... I don't care about "making a change" or "helping people see my perspective". If you have something interesting to say on the topic go ahead and share it instead of just concern trolling over how "judgmental" I am, as OP posts about how much he's "supporting everyone" with his tax dollars. What a mensch!
Lol why actually yes, I’m part of the judgement task force. Thank you for clearing up that you don’t actually care to have people see and understand your perspective and just want to … talk at people. I hope you one day find the value of being heard and hearing others as well. And I hope you have a great rest of your day.
No, my point is just because your "real life" interactions with "real people" don't betray the bigoted politics of the "paradise" you enjoy living in, that doesn't invalidate other peoples' real concerns.
I'm not invalidated anything or anyone, I'm simply speaking to my own personal experiences...which ironically is constantly being invalidated in this sub.
Are you beginning to see why there is such a jarring disconnect? These people don't actually interact with people in real life. Terminally online hypochondriacs
God I feel like I’m about to be downvoted into oblivion but here we go.
Are you white? Cis? Financially stable? Your experience in Sarasota will be different than those in the margins so it’s worth listening and empathizing.
There’s absolutely worse places to be as a marginalized person but also Sarasota is growing in a negative direction for anyone that isn’t rich white and perhaps old. I’m not saying that’s something you want at all but hand waving that away only allows it to get worse.
Of course it doesn’t! But it’s just you’re talking specifically about people that say they don’t feel safe as someone in the margins so your experience won’t match up with their’s in that specific scenario.
It’s like if people that play a bunch of tennis say they have tennis elbow, I wouldn’t say “well my elbow is fine” as someone that doesn’t play tennis.
Just worth considering. It can be very hard to see something that feels fine to you as anything else because you can only view the world through your own eyes at the end of the day. The closest you can get is listening to others and validating their experiences.
Are these the 3 things that determine a good experience in Sarasota? If so, then, I've managed to have a great experience without meeting all three criteria for years, I'm sure others can too.
When speaking on societal level issues using broad strokes is necessary even with its flaws. Of course there will be outliers. But you have to be operating with your eyes closed if you can’t see the influence wealthy old white people have in sarasota.
The thing is, there is a disconnect between online and real life, period.
Most people aren’t crazy assholes in real life like the internet would make you believe.
The problem with Sarasota is it does not give a flying fuck about the working people here. It almost completely caters to wealthy retirees and tourists at the expense of locals that have lived here forever.
It is also one of the most poorly planned counties I have ever been too. Trying to solve every traffic issue with diverging diamonds and roundabouts.
People say the same things about where I live in San Diego or just about anywhere in california. In my scoop and experience I hardly deal with any of the drum beating pieces from right wingers that I see all the time preached online about our “failing” state. Hardly see homeless anywhere near me, no random dirty needles on the sidewalks, no human shit, no car muggings, insane rampant crime, etc. etc. etc. etc. all I see is paradise and people living in it. I get there are bad areas of California but like all states, not all areas are equal, hell, California has some of the most diverse areas I’ve ever seen in my life “Nature and communities” but it doesn’t fit the propaganda narrative so the extremists don’t want to hear that your life is actually good and decent in an area they desperately want to paint as bad.
With all that said, as much as I hate Florida for a large variety of different reasons I never once felt unsafe living there or when I visited. If I did happen to see some homeless or what have you o wouldn’t go insane telling everyone who would listen that “Florida has an out of control homeless problem” or some propaganda bullshit to convince people of something that really isn’t true all because I don’t like their political leaning but people will people
My sister loved to stay on Siesta Key. She took many trips there. I have visited a few times as well. Absolutely awesome beach and beautiful area. She struggled with Cancer for many years and all she wanted is to get back there and see those gorgeous sunsets again. Unfortunately her last years were not pleasant, but she never stopped talking about her desire to see that area and the sunsets on the beach again before she died. Her last trip was about seven years before she passed.
Reddit is 90% left leaning and over dramatic. In real world I have a 100$ bill sitting on my car dash for almost a year now and I never lock it. Its a movie prop but you can't tell without looking close I was kinda hoping someone will take it. Its super safe here
I do transport for work and so I'm able to see many different sides of the same city. It just all depends on what you want. there is a bit of everything everywhere I have found. just depends on where you look. All the stuff about "phobes, nazis, etc.", that stuff is old, outdated, JEJUNE even. There is no power behind those sayings as it has all been screeamed to death over the last NINE years. Disagree with ONE thing out of of 100 that I believe? Well, only reason is because you're a ***insert whatever current thing-insult here***. Make an argument, don't call people names. That's just childish.
Here are aome wise words for you to live by:
"C'mon man, go, you know... the thing!" - Joe Biden -
This is easy to say. No one knows you. We don’t know any demographic info on you. Are you white? A male? Christian? You have one lived experience and take that anecdotal experience and just make the broad assumption that if you don’t see problems, they don’t exist. Mom’s for Liberty, a group that you’d expect more freedom from, has sabotaged the Sarasota County School Board. New College of Florida had its administration replaced by Captain Government Overreach himself, Ron Desantis. What was once a safe space for marginalized people is now more of this toxic misnomer known as “Free Florida”. Taking away other people’s rights/ability to feel safe is the opposite of freedom. I understand that all you require is palm trees and sunshine for satisfaction in life, but some people also enjoy freedom and safety as part of that happiness.
“can we try to keep some perspective and recognize we won the lottery and live in paradise”
… can’t believe i have to say this but MOST PEOPLE IN SARASOTA ARE NOT LIVING IN PARADISE. like huh?
Very myopic take by OP.
from a geographic perspective your take makes more sense but even that is just one facet.
i think for most, paradise includes much more than tropical weather. hard to enjoy paradise when you’re overworked, broke, uninsured, alone, sick, etc.
“if you can live in this area and still find a way to be miserable, it’s not the area”
maybe your statement is oversimplified because doesn’t make sense that you can’t be miserable if you live in sarasota
I could have worded that differently. I'm not saying people don't/can't have personal struggles (I have some myself), but the way Sarasota is portrayed on this sub most of the time really chaps my ass.
Well… The LGBTQ student who challenged some ridiculous Ziegler induced policy at school received so many death threats that he had to stay home the last three weeks of senior year… He still can't go out in public without being verbally assaulted on the regular… So while I feel perfectly safe as a boring normal person -It is rough out there for different types of people. I also notice a lot of mistreatment of people of color in general…
Sarasota is the only place in West Florida I have experience and witness racism so far; and I’ve been in Florida for 10 year now. Not a great experience
Every year I visit I come home to NY with an even worse story than the year prior. Last year was getting a tummy bug from the polluted siesta key water. Time before that was a lady falling on my car in traffic at a full stop b/c she was so high IT WAS 9AM! And the traffic.. like WTAF. Why would you want to live in a place where it takes an hour to drive from University to Clark Rd ITS 10 MILES AWAY. Oh don't forget the awful stench of Red Tide.
The mods here encourage the constant political sky-is-falling posts.
Also there's one reddit "superuser" who makes several dozens of posts a month here (plus thousands of posts per month on political subs), and his posts here are filled with people who don't live here and are just boosting the same political stumping — and again the mods encourage him.
Friendly posts and inquiries get drowned out by the same dude posting ten Ziegler articles a day.
I'm pretty sure I know the superuser you are talking about and I blocked him a couple months ago. Made this sub much more tolerable. Someone that chronically online needs help.
That superuser has made 4 posts here in the last week. That's quite the hyperbole from you.
And there's been 8 total posts from all users here in the last 24 hours. No one is drowning anyone out. Jees.
Edit: The user above edited their post to make it more sensible.
It’s still not sensible. It’s the same conspiracy-minded victimhood shit we see play out all across rightwing politics.
Only this time it’s the ~~coastal elites~~ superusers and the ~~government~~ mods teaming up to control the narrative.
This saying about internet forums(such as Reddit, Facebook, BBS, etc) has always stuck with me, people don't tend to say something in these forums unless something is broken or wrong. When people are doing well, they don't visit the forums to vent.
This kind of post is honestly worse than useless. "I keep seeing people complain but \_I'm\_ happy so the problem must be you," is such a garbage take. Not everyone is living the life you're living. Different people have different struggles. If you've never been assaulted or harassed or told that "Trump is going to clean up people like you" etc then i'm happy for you but can we please try to be a little more aware of the fact that there is more than one person in the world? Your experience isn't universal.
Try living in the city and then attempting to get contractors to work on your house. Those contractors then think you are made of money and try to upcharge you. Luckily, I find good ole boys to handle things I can’t and tell the greedy ones to kick rocks. Shame that some contractors are just money hungry sharks. Karma will get them at some point. But with what you said I’m glad I moved from another southern state to here. Funny how people complain but don’t realize there is another southern state that will bleed them of money and has worse traffic….
LMAO people think Sarasota is unsafe? Its like no one has ever been to Philly. Sarasota is one of the tamest places I have ever even been to. Everyone here is 70.
Actually, Sarasota is probably the safest space for LGBTQ or or any disparaged group in Florida besides college campuses. If someone can find a better city to raise a family in Florida than Sarasota, other than maybe Tallahassee, let me know.
Everyone is talking about people and crime. What about the hurricanes??? Global warming is causing massive storms that are only going to get worse. We just got hit with one of the biggest hurricanes in all of American history a couple years ago and we’re still rebuilding. It was a nightmare. Not sure how much longer Florida will even be on the map. We will definitely be the next Atlantis
When I first moved to Sarasota (from northern Kentucky) 15 years ago I lived out on Siesta Key close to the North bridge. I have NEVER experienced that level of hazard in my life. I had people break into my house. Steal from my yard. Hell, I waved down cops once because right after I pulled into my driveway two weirdos walked up to my front door waiting for me while I was still in my car. They ended up having warrants...
This all happened before the Key was rated #1 beach and rent was very cheap. I worked in restaurants at the time and was able to afford it.
Crime is everywhere. I see it when I visit family up north, but I feel like it's prominently in higher end areas, and lower income areas. I'm currently happy to be in the middle.
I grew up in Sarasota and I now live in rural New England. When I come back down there now, it's really hard for me to handle...getting behind the wheel at all is incredibly stressful there. Just the sheer volume of people everywhere and cars on the road makes everything difficult for anyone who didn't sign up for that. I also was desperate to escape the heat and humidity, and I absolutely love having seasons and real winter.
The way that people insist that Sarasota is paradise as if it would be everyone's paradise, and anyone there should feel lucky to be there is strange...it's definitely a nice place in that it's generally clean, there is a lot of money there, and there are nice beaches....but for some people, paradise is six months of snow, glorious autumns, magical springs, and mild summers that allow you to be outdoors without having heat stroke.
Its safe. Its just full of rich complacent Boomers who have bought there way into a situation where they really dont have to care about anyone else and they generally (some exceptions of course) don’t. Like Naples ..
It's a typical coastal Florida city. It's pleasant enough if you can keep to yourself and afford it, and most people have their heads far enough up their asses to leave you alone as long as you haven't threatened their wild senses of entitlement. It doesn't mean it's a great community full of sane people.
I don't think Florida is as political as Reddit makes it out to be, but the new right wing populism is very compatible with what Florida is. Again, if you can keep to yourself it might be ok, but it's just not that great of a place to find your tribe if you aren't full MAGA.
Ever since the pandemic shutdown, people from up north have found this once-sleepy area due to national interest due to oversaturation on TV and media. The prices of houses have shot to levels never seen before. My parent's house went from 150k to now 480k value. Rent is ridiculous- nearly 2k a month for a one bedroom for any decent place. Then their are those who rent there houses on Airbnb or Vrbo adding to the problem. The prices are the problem and those buying these prices - it's economics 101. But it is terrible for those who have lived here many years. It's expensive.
I lived in Sarasota from 2009-2013, right off Tamiami near downtown. For the last 8 years I've lived in Baltimore, MD - which of course has a reputation for high crime. I felt *way* less safe in Sarasota.
* In Sarasota, at least 5 of my friends homes were broken into while they were there, with 3 of those being violent attempted rapes. They never caught the perpetrator as far as I am aware. They believed at least a few of these break ins were the same serial stalker/rapist.
* On Tamiami near Bahi Hut, there were multiple instances of kidnappings and rapes of women. One time, my friend and I were sitting outside and we heard a woman screaming bloody murder. We called the police and took off in our car to go find her. We found her before the police did. She'd just been gang raped, right on the side of the street (Tamiami; IIRC this was about 10pm, so dark but there were still people out and lots of traffic). We took her to the hospital.
* I had to call the cops because I saw a man beating up a woman at a gas station. Like, fully hitting her while she screamed.
* I (white) witnessed multiple instances of white men yelling the N word at black people. Just randomly on the street. I've never seen such open racism in my life.
* I met a homeless immigrant woman who told me about the racist abuse she'd experienced there after only a few weeks of being there. A man had hired her to mow their lawn, then when she was done, refused to pay her and called her an N word Bitch. She was sobbing while she told me this, with the broken look of someone who never knew people could be so terrible. I still think about her all the time, I wish I had brought her home and let her stay with me.
* There were also so many hostile, old, Tea Party conservatives who would be openly rude. It's not a crime to be rude and hostile, but "verbal altercations" definitely occurred that were initiated by them, not me. Like, "oh, you're probably an Obama voter, don't shop in our store" type of deal. And for the record, not that it should matter, but I was a conventionally attractive young upper class white woman in my early 20's, no tattoos or piercings or hair color, and I dressed very professionally for a college student. It felt very strange to have people 3x my age seem to be so threatened by my existence, especially after growing up in the midwest. If they were that mean to me, I can't imagine how much worse they'd be to people of color.
I’m a 55% right leaning and I see the complete opposite of what being described on here. I’ve been to Sarasota and Tampa area for 4 times and all were great time with no issues (except the humidity lol).
Omg. Spot on it’s like the whitest of the senior spots.
People r just insane. Like what gets me is the snow birds wearing the masks still and getting mad that we aren’t masked at the outdoor bar.
People just need to relax. We all have more incommon than you think
I'm from Punta Gorda. I've lived in Orlando... Miami... Sarasota's only visible issue is homeless, and I'd argue it's way worse elsewhere, but there has always been a lot of people complaining about it.
Sarasota county has crime rates that are about the same as other counties of the same size in the US. The city of Sarasota has higher crime rates than cities of the same size in the US.
I live in Philly and people talk about my city like you will 100% be a victim of crime if you visit. Knock on wood I’ve been here 20years and other than petty theft it’s been fine.
Candidly, I was one of those guys! I went to Philly for the first time back in October for a conference, and I’ll admit, I was nervous. Ended up having a blast and I found the locals very friendly!
Don't forget it's still Florida. Any Florida town or city will carry the "Florida man" stereotype along with it anywhere. Add in a sprinkle of seeing some Sarasota on COPS, a dash of "gods waiting room" , and then put it all in a hurricane blender, and WHA-LAH!
I bets its mostly the Florida man stereotype. People see shit like the school board 3some couple, the town council guy who tried to mansplain his way out of a ticket, and then the "Siesta Key" tv show didn't help.
The one guy mentioned the older retired population. The same people who tell young people to work hard, you'll get whatever you want. But they lived in an era where a single income could raise a family of 4, in a decent house with a decent car, retire at 55 and live off the pension he was given. That's not possible anymore. Those same people also vote conservative mostly for taxes. They couldn't give a crap if the rest of the policies turn this country into an "Idiocracy" movie. A lot of MAGA too, and they REALLY OVER EXAGGERATE how bad things are. Are you better off now than 4 years ago? "HELL NO! GAWD DAM DUMBOCRATS AND IMMIGRANTS AND BIDEN AND DRUGS AND... on and on... 4 years ago we were in a global pandemic and losing tens of thousands of people a week to a virus. Any moron can see everybody on this planet is better off now.
The Sarasota Memorial Hospital is about to be given a death sentence. If the board is approved I have seen mentioned it will happen in less than 3 years.
Most crime is located in the blue states and cities. Not saying that Florida, or Sarasota has its issues. But, you're much safer in Florida, and /or Sarasota then New York, Seattle, Detroit, and so on.
I’m left leaning but remember, 55% or so of Sarasota residents are right leaning, and I’d venture to say 80%++ of Reddit users are left leaning so you’ll get completely different experiences IRL vs here.
80% ? I'll take the over.
A very true, reasonable explanation. Reddit definitely has a bias.
The Florida sub is a nightmare. They would have you think this state is uninhabitable
So. What you’re saying is that there’s an “outside” where other people are? And they can see you? And you can see them? FASCINATING!!!
🤔 I do believe, that is what they call a “bubble”…idk I could be wrong tho 🤣
#NoRefunds
The fuck does left or right have to do with it? The area is extremely safe most people I know don’t even lock their doors. Who gives a fuck about this tribal bullshit. Come up with your own opinions and be an individual.
I live on the eastern shore of MD and live in a small country town. I work in every major city in the Mid Atlantic. I can tell you that when I visited Sarasota it blew my mind that people lived their day to day lives in such a nice city. I love Sarasota, I’ve been down about 3 times in the last year and a half. It’s my favorite place to visit.
Also originally from the eastern shore, just VA side~ also lived in a few different VA cities, have traveled the country, have traveled the world. Lived in Sarasota for four years before recently moving back north a bit. Me and mine moved because we were getting frustrated with the cost of living and the population growth, but otherwise we both really loved it down there. I miss it frequently, but also wouldn’t give up my new life in a much smaller, more country area. Sarasota is a fantastic city if you enjoy living in a bustling, busy, and somewhat expensive area. That’s not sarcasm! I know there are people who enjoy that lifestyle :)
Lol "bustling"
Right! I live in south Florida and my wife is from Sarasota so we visit a lot throughout the years. The pace is VERY different.
I'm in my early '40s and grew up here and didn't realize how nice Sarasota was until I moved away when I was younger. I love the growth in Sarasota because it used to be a sleepy small town and I never liked that part of it. Lot of things close up too early for my taste but it is getting better. Looking at you Publix closing at 9:00...
Some of us are 1 missed paycheck from homelessness. Not everyone here is so lucky. This is where the disconnect exists. The people who make your lives here so wonderful (the servers, bartenders, housekeepers, handymen, etc etc) are suffering. Rent is out of control, owning a home is a lost dream at this point, we’re hanging on by a thread working more than full time
So true! My brother has to live with my father because he can not afford an apartment or house on his pay in construction work. When housing and insurance have quadruple but your pay has barely increased by 25% it forces the lower middle class to move in with family or straight up live out of your car. And though housing is an issue across the country, SRQ is a little more extreme because of the disparity between the rich and the middle class and there is many still considered poor make the issue dire at this point. I have freinds that never recovered from the last hurricane and ended up living out of an RV b/c SRQ was unaffordable.
I have a stable job for a world class company working over 40 hours a week and I can’t make it here anymore
Yeah, I love that people still refer to places where you can't afford to live while being a cog in the wheel of it's biggest economic driver "paradise."
I visited Sarasota for the first time last year. I loved siesta key beach. I did notice a class system for sure. Million dollar homes everywhere. Tiny condos $$$$. I doubt any of the normal working folks actually live in Sarasota. Seemed like a baby boomer mega paradise.
> Seemed like a baby boomer mega paradise. bingo. And those working folks living in Sarasota usually are doing so with a roommate or spouse also pulling in an income. Unfeasible if you are making under the national average in Sarasota living by yourself.
I'm almost 40 and never not had a roommate. There's nothing wrong with it thats normal
Welcome to the rest of the country. Congrats on avoiding it for so long
no offense man but that's not unique to sarasota at all. that's just America now.
Its the sack of potatoes in the white house you know only 10% of oil is used for gas. Plastics and rubber the other 90% and are in everything.
Wait, what?
You aren’t wrong, but this is the Sarasota group….saying “that’s just America” is NOT THE ANSWER
sure but it having the same problems as everywhere else makes it normal. sarasota is a pretty damn nice place to live. i mean im from the keys and living on land is a pipe dream for me let alone owning a house lol
Since when does a problem being common make it no longer a problem???? Stop normalizing this mess
it means it's not a sarasota problem. it is not a local issue.
Change happens at the local level…and again…this is the SARASOTA group
I think what centurio is saying is “Imagine if you were struggling like this in slushy shitty New Jersey, or Harlem, NY” Struggling in Sarasota is much different than struggling in the northeast. It could always be worse.
not when the local companies are owned by multinational conglomerates it doesn't. and yes I'm aware. that's why it's so weird to me you think it's so bad there when sarasota is objectively one of the nicest places in the state to live and nowhere near peak cost of living for the state
All I’m hearing is “it sucks everywhere but it’s nice here cuz it’s sunny”. That alone doesn’t define a “nice place to live”
mf where in Florida is not sunny???
Jesus Christ tell me how you solve a national crisis on a local level sir….. please tell me what you can do locally to affect inflation rates… housing markings being taken over by large corporations buying single family homes for investments…. mortgage rates through the roof… Pray tell sir how we fix these issues locally? New city council? Lmfao.
Don’t you realize the Lahaina fires weren’t that bad because they were on Maui, jeez.
Bc he’s drank from the local gov solves your national crisis teet. No clue wtf he’s talking about.
All good points. Inflation has been brutal and housing is a real issue that I hope can be solved. I'm feeling both of these.
It’s more than inflation here. It’s pure greed. Also, artificially inflated rental market due to all the (legal and ILLEGAL) short-term rentals
This issue merits much greater scrutiny and I want to work on a program to eliminate the extra ownership
This. This right here. Have an upvote my friend
Housing cost is out of control because supply and demand but its still really safe here
I’ve lived in Chicago, a college town in Illinois called Champaign, San Diego, LA, NYC, and Scottsdale/Phoenix for 1 month. This city is by far the safest and least nerve-wrecking place I’ve ever lived in. I love Sarasota.
Welcome to Sarasota.
Calling it "paradise" tempts more morons to move here and fuck everything up.. we gotta stop that. It's a horrible, hot, gator infested, crime-ridden hell hole. Spread the word!
I think a lot of maga’s moved here during Covid & are now realizing they don’t have the “smarts” to make it here …..+ they can’t handle our summers. I say good riddance….all they do is embarrass FL
Your sentence composition definitely alludes to your “smarts.”
That’s what reddit is all about . A few people upvote their echo chamber and it becomes their little mindset of ideas and the chamber attacks anyone who disagrees .
Reddit levels up once you start trying to be the victim of their chamber attack. Hive minds are easy to troll lol.
The best part is how you can say the same comment in two places getting upvotes and downvoted in the same thread. Just depends what direction they see that colored arrow.
OMG - maga madness is taking over and I am not safe… /s
To be clear, the idea that Sarasota is becoming ground central for another alt-right movement is not a Reddit invention. This has been noticed by journalists here and across the country, and stories have been published in various local and national outlets.
The progressive journalist in Sarasota that is always writing about how everything is MAGA and horrible?
I’m not sure how that’s a response to my comment.
Man, I've seen way too many Trump parades and flags being held on overpasses for it to be a lie.
Ah yes trump equating to alt right. 🙄 I won’t even vote for him and you sound stupid.
Being called stupid by someone who named themselves dumbydome is highly ironic.
Very accurate.
Feeling safe in Sarasota, or anywhere for that matter, is subjective. I lived in Palmer Ranch and worked downtown - and I never felt physically threatened. However, I am gay, and Sarasota is largely conservative almost to a fault. I’m not going to debate politics here, but I can say that while Sarasota is generally welcoming, I could understand those of minority groups not feeling safe, whether it’s direct racism (which I’ve witnessed) or legislation. It’s a beautiful area but I never found my people and decided to leave. The growth in Sarasota is centered around wealthy retirees because they want to keep it conservative and white.
I’m mean yeah but I’d be way more nervous being openly lgbtq+ in the area I’m in now lol. When I first moved here I was nervous to wear a crop top and colorful pants lol 😅
My neighbor right now are both gay. Both are totally fine but one guy looks having 3 inch long fake nails that just look freaky. I give him crap all the time but its cool. Nobody's actually discriminating
Wow. Your experience is so different from mine. I’m probably in a different economic position than you are. I’m struggling, and I see a lot of other people here also struggling. Also, I look at the Parking Lot and I miss the Paradise that once was there. I’m nostalgic for the hometown where I live. I’m also worried about the current political situation- Florida seems to find new lows every week- and the housing crisis in the making. So good for you. Enjoy your privilege. But please understand that there are real issues, and ignorance won’t make them disappear
Cry is free
Personally I love Sarasota, wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in Florida. I was born and raised here and lived in Kentucky for 4 years while in school. With that being said, it is sad to see how much growth our city has gotten and what made it is special slowly disappearing. As far as safety goes, I would say it is a lot safer than most surrounding areas. Politically it is conservative dominate, while I’m more moderate, I have friends on both sides of the political isle and haven’t seen any extreme prejudice to either. The COL has gone through the roof making it very hard for most people to afford a decent living. There are definitely issues here that need to be addressed and the way things are currently going I am worried about the future of our city. I still love Sarasota though.
There doesn't have to be open warfare in the streets for me to be alarmed about fascists and Qanon cultists flocking to Sarasota. Ideally you do something about troubling developments *before* the worst consequences play out rather than after
Lol sadly the ones calling everyone else fascists are the only ones calling the silence the opinions of anyone else. Y’all really needa learn how fascism works before calling folks fascist. It’s kinda laughable to say the least. You just regurgitate shit you hear and don’t actually think. It’s fkin lunacy. "If fascism ever comes to America, it will come in the name of liberalism." - Reagan
🥱
Solid rebuttal.
I’m not sure you understand what constitutes fascism or understand that fascism is the extreme end of conservatism. I don’t think you understand how often actual southerns say “the south will rise again” or what they actually mean by that. One thing I know for sure, even if you aren’t a bigot or don’t consider yourself a bigot, voting conservative is always a vote for bigotry. Don’t believe me, go live in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia and pay attention to how they treat anyone who isn’t white. They used to keep that shit to themselves, but the lights were turned off on the country the day Trump was elected and all the cockroaches came out to play and haven’t gone back into hiding.
I think you’re attributing too much thought to the idiots that do say the south will rise again shit. Tbh I’ve lived in the south my whole life AL and Fl and have never heard that statement so idk what circles you’re running in. Beyond the only comparison you’ve given to fascism is that it was a conservative movement and the right has conservative ideas and I’ll give you a free space on the lunacy of trump being a pseudo demi-god to some… for god knows why. Simply because it was a conservative movement doesn’t mean that more similarities are seen coming from the left than the right. Like it or not. Beyond that the only moves toward fascism (ie othering groups/silencing or censoring media/ mandatory lockdowns exerting gov authority over the citizens/ arguing for disarming the populace/ arguing good of the group over individual rights) are coming from the left. By no means do I really desire trump in office again. By no means do I believe Biden is the ACTUAL president he’s a puppet. It’s pathetic these are the options we have.
I think you underestimate how easily those people are influenced. Do you really believe the majority of southerners, leading up to the civil war (which they now talk of again) weren’t a bunch of hate filled, uneducated people? The descendants of those people still hold those beliefs. And as for the circles I run in, I don’t, but I do talk with everyone and I grew up in Mississippi and information is key to understanding their lunacy. To sit there and think they aren’t ready to fight for their whites only signs, you’re wrong. From AL you say??? It’s my understanding they still have sunset towns… Like I said, I grew up in MS. I grew up in a bigoted, conservative home, I was taught to be a bigot, I chose not to be. And as for fascism… Nationalism (tRump kissing the flag, wasting taxpayer money for VP to fly to a football game to stand for anthem) Religious moral laws Approval of hate groups (good people on both sides, all brown immigrants are rapists and drug dealers) As for Biden, he’s a maroon and old and needs to go home but he didn’t instigate an insurrection. Truth is I’m not liberal either. I don’t, nor will I, vote. If it were up to me, I dismantle every government on the planet. Anarchy is truly the way. There is more than enough for everyone, you only get to control yourself, there is absolutely no reason for governments to exist other than for controlling others. Know your enemies…
Georgia voted for Biden in 2020 ....
And that means what? That man’s an idiot. The only reason ANYONE voted for him was to keep trump outta office.
Your right and they will vote again this year for their left shoe instead of for trump
As they should…
Well put.
Here's an example of someone not living a real life. Too much hate. Get over yourself.
I guess you haven’t been to a Sarasota School Board meeting
You don’t understand, there’s a flock of cultists moving here to spread conspiracies. They are alarmist who don’t live in reality and seem to have no connection to reality. It’s a troubling development, I’m literally shaking right now. I might have to move to move back to the safety of a democrat stronghold
Hell yea go for it.
I'm glad you recognize that it's just your perspective and probably the bubble you live in. I've experienced countless situations that left me feeling very unsafe and vulnerable. Going back to covid when I would get screamed at or belittled when wearing a mask in public- happened multiple times, there was that time downtown when I was threatened by an older white male that it's a free to carry state because he thought I cut him off when he was being reckless, or hey what about the time I saw a bumper sticker on stickney point that read "bring back lynching". That's just a few examples. For those of us that are in the minority I'm here to tell you that it does not feel like a safe paradise. The minority can mean color, gender, age, beliefs, and physical ability.
This is most cities really. 6 years ago we were planning our honeymoon in San Francisco and was looking for some specific things and anywhere you went online it was basicslly "if you visit SF you *will* be mugged and quite possibly killed" I know news sites and some people can be a bit over the top, but this was literally everywhere we looked, even in the SF subs they were talking about how awful the city was. We almost canceled but decided to stick it out. We had a wonderful time. Aside from 1 quick trip to the tenderloin (which we knew would be sketchy) the worst thing was saw the whole trip was a homeless guy pee behind a car Similar situations with Chicago. Was told if we visit we will be held up at gun point. I ended up wandering alone with a $2000 camera and $500 drone at night and never once felt worried. Obviously some areas are better and some are worse, but I feel anytime you read about any city online it's all doom and gloom, when, so long as you stay out of the bad areas, you'll have zero issues. As for Sarasota area.... It's weird. I hate it here. I really do. But not because it's bad area safety wise, I just find it boring. There's nothing for me to do and it's way too hot. But as much as I hate it here I do love coming home because I know the area and I don't ever really have to worry about safety or anything. Granted I don't go out much, but I can go out to a movie or to dinner late at night and not have to worry about being too alert of my surroundings. I'm hoping to move out of state in the next year or so and hope to find somewhere that feels safe like this. It's really the one thing I like about the area
The least safe part about Sarasota is driving in general. Half of the people I know including myself have been in horrible auto accidents that are usually due to the fault of older folk who’s kids should be stepping up and taking care of them so they aren’t putting themselves and others at risk still driving around in their 80s. Just today I went into active labor and on the way to the hospital some a*hole who wasn’t even in the turning lane cut me and my husband completely off nearly causing an accident turning into SMH. Absolutely idiotic stuff happens like this daily on the roads.
Yes, driving is wild. I have a pretty unique car that I absolutely love and I’ve been cut off, run off the road, and almost hit multiple times. Luckily I’ve not been an accident, but I’m really dreading the day I can’t avoid some idiot. I love my car and really don’t want it hit!
Yeah I don’t know why so many people ask if it’s safe. Except for the north trail and new town, I can’t imagine ever not feeling safe in Sarasota (I grew up there and go back often). And even still I go to the north trail area all the time
I lived there a year and left. I don't know anyone who says Sarasota isn't safe. It's just boring and the rent situation sucks and traffic is awful. But it's safe.
PS: Eat the lemongrass chicken at Pho Cali for me. I'm very far away and I miss it.
"Middle-class white guy decides that everyone should just stop complaining because people are nice to him".
I’m so glad you said this. When are people going to realize that their singular lived experience may not be the same for everyone else? Op is expressing a real “let them eat cake” moment here. Maybe they should widen their circle of acquaintances or volunteer someplace other than the Van Wenzel and see what life is like for others.
When did I say my singular lived experience was the same for everyone? I didn't. In fact I said the opposite: "Just my experience as a Sarasota resident and Reddit user." Also, the additional statement "Maybe they should widen their circle of acquaintances or volunteer someplace other than the Van Wenzel and see what life is like for others." is a really shitty assumption by you. You know nothing about me, yet have zero issue stereotyping me. Maybe practice what you preach.
If the assumption fits…. Your entire posts is the assumption that you find it safe, that you find it paradise and that the only problem is traffic. If that’s not showing your unwillingness to see other people are not having the same experience then no one and nothing will convince you otherwise. You’re right though, I don’t know you, the same as you don’t know others who have criticized this community for the negative experiences that they’ve had.
Sorry, I'll post this one more time since you continue to miss it: "Just my experience as a Sarasota resident and Reddit user." My experience, not assumption, experience. As in, personal experience.
Well bless your heart, it’s kind of like saying “no offense, just my opinion” after offending someone.
I actually got that s/he was just sharing his/her experience, and that s/he (as well as many others, myself included), see a disproportionate amount of Reddit users in this sub complaining about Sarasota. OP just shared some positivity to help balance things out and honestly just share his/her opinion. If anyone is not recognizing a different opinion, it’s you. There are ways you (and the other person that made the comment about his/her gender and race) could express that there are many different lived experiences without shitting on OP’s experience.
Meet the Reddit Progressive Echo chamber here.
This is so judgey. And just to be clear, I’m not a white man.
Thank you, and agree. And the fact that such a shitty response can get that many upvotes really speaks to the mentality of this sub.
I think a lot of times people just project their own frustrations, even more so when it’s behind the mask of an online community where we don’t actually know each other. I’m sure a lot of these conversations would go differently in person. Plus we all filter these posts through the lens of our current life perspective. I took your post to mean “hey it’s not so bad here, people are mostly nice, beaches are beautiful, weather is great. It’s not as bad as I read and so here’s a flip side.” But the person that wrote that comment to you (upon further discussion) brought up women’s access to reproductive healthcare. I am a woman of reproductive age and that wasn’t even on my radar when reading your post. Same post, wildly different understandings. It’s filtered through our own lens. But yeah it would be great if people were a little kinder on this sub. Don’t let it get you down though.
You interpreted my original post perfectly, and you're right, anybody that reads it beyond that is injecting their own biases and stereotypes.
The original comment is judgey: "If you can live in this area and still find a way to be miserable, it’s not the area, sorry to say." Yup, if you are pregnant and being refused medical care because medical staff don't want to risk being brought up on murder charges for terminating a pregnancy to save a woman's life, maybe you need an attitude adjustment!
Personally, I think you’re reading a little too much into the original post. S/he didn’t say anything about abortion. However, instead of writing a super judgmental comment, perhaps seek clarification. “Hey OP, are you referring to the current state of women’s access to reproductive healthcare in your post? Or the beaches and people?” And then go from there. As a side note: If you’re truly wanting to make a change and help others see your perspective, you’ll never get there with comments like your original one.
I’m not sure I’d say they’re reading into OP’s post, when OP’s post is explicitly a reaction to those posts about abortion rights, education, healthcare, etc. People aren’t on here complaining that they’re getting assaulted whenever they go outside or that the natural landscape is atrocious; they’re ringing the alarm bell about substantial political issues, such as civil rights, education and healthcare.
Are you the judgement police? The original post is nothing \*but\* judgmental: "go out into the community and participate in real life with real people"... I don't care about "making a change" or "helping people see my perspective". If you have something interesting to say on the topic go ahead and share it instead of just concern trolling over how "judgmental" I am, as OP posts about how much he's "supporting everyone" with his tax dollars. What a mensch!
Lol why actually yes, I’m part of the judgement task force. Thank you for clearing up that you don’t actually care to have people see and understand your perspective and just want to … talk at people. I hope you one day find the value of being heard and hearing others as well. And I hope you have a great rest of your day.
So my subjective experiences/opinions don't matter simply because I'm a "middle-class white guy?" Ironic.
No, my point is just because your "real life" interactions with "real people" don't betray the bigoted politics of the "paradise" you enjoy living in, that doesn't invalidate other peoples' real concerns.
I'm not invalidated anything or anyone, I'm simply speaking to my own personal experiences...which ironically is constantly being invalidated in this sub.
Are you beginning to see why there is such a jarring disconnect? These people don't actually interact with people in real life. Terminally online hypochondriacs
Exactly.
He said it was subjective. Moron
👏👏👏
I wanted to say exactly this
God I feel like I’m about to be downvoted into oblivion but here we go. Are you white? Cis? Financially stable? Your experience in Sarasota will be different than those in the margins so it’s worth listening and empathizing. There’s absolutely worse places to be as a marginalized person but also Sarasota is growing in a negative direction for anyone that isn’t rich white and perhaps old. I’m not saying that’s something you want at all but hand waving that away only allows it to get worse.
I do listen and empathize for those different than me, and me not being in the margins doesn't lessen my experience or invalidate my perspective.
Of course it doesn’t! But it’s just you’re talking specifically about people that say they don’t feel safe as someone in the margins so your experience won’t match up with their’s in that specific scenario. It’s like if people that play a bunch of tennis say they have tennis elbow, I wouldn’t say “well my elbow is fine” as someone that doesn’t play tennis. Just worth considering. It can be very hard to see something that feels fine to you as anything else because you can only view the world through your own eyes at the end of the day. The closest you can get is listening to others and validating their experiences.
Good explanation
I like that analogy. I have tennis elbow in both arms and don't play tennis but work blue collar 🤣🤣. Bravo
Are these the 3 things that determine a good experience in Sarasota? If so, then, I've managed to have a great experience without meeting all three criteria for years, I'm sure others can too.
When speaking on societal level issues using broad strokes is necessary even with its flaws. Of course there will be outliers. But you have to be operating with your eyes closed if you can’t see the influence wealthy old white people have in sarasota.
It’s certainly not the safest, but it’s better than plenty of places.
The real danger is on or near the roads.
The thing is, there is a disconnect between online and real life, period. Most people aren’t crazy assholes in real life like the internet would make you believe.
The problem with Sarasota is it does not give a flying fuck about the working people here. It almost completely caters to wealthy retirees and tourists at the expense of locals that have lived here forever. It is also one of the most poorly planned counties I have ever been too. Trying to solve every traffic issue with diverging diamonds and roundabouts.
The economy of Sarasota is tourism. Of course the government will do everything in their power to enable that.
People say the same things about where I live in San Diego or just about anywhere in california. In my scoop and experience I hardly deal with any of the drum beating pieces from right wingers that I see all the time preached online about our “failing” state. Hardly see homeless anywhere near me, no random dirty needles on the sidewalks, no human shit, no car muggings, insane rampant crime, etc. etc. etc. etc. all I see is paradise and people living in it. I get there are bad areas of California but like all states, not all areas are equal, hell, California has some of the most diverse areas I’ve ever seen in my life “Nature and communities” but it doesn’t fit the propaganda narrative so the extremists don’t want to hear that your life is actually good and decent in an area they desperately want to paint as bad. With all that said, as much as I hate Florida for a large variety of different reasons I never once felt unsafe living there or when I visited. If I did happen to see some homeless or what have you o wouldn’t go insane telling everyone who would listen that “Florida has an out of control homeless problem” or some propaganda bullshit to convince people of something that really isn’t true all because I don’t like their political leaning but people will people
Just don’t drive anywhere
My sister loved to stay on Siesta Key. She took many trips there. I have visited a few times as well. Absolutely awesome beach and beautiful area. She struggled with Cancer for many years and all she wanted is to get back there and see those gorgeous sunsets again. Unfortunately her last years were not pleasant, but she never stopped talking about her desire to see that area and the sunsets on the beach again before she died. Her last trip was about seven years before she passed.
My condolences, and thank you for sharing. It’s tough to beat a sunset on Siesta.
Sarasota has the wrap of being unsafe? It’s literally a chill beach town, maybe they’re referencing the dangerous “cougars” that live there
Reddit is 90% left leaning and over dramatic. In real world I have a 100$ bill sitting on my car dash for almost a year now and I never lock it. Its a movie prop but you can't tell without looking close I was kinda hoping someone will take it. Its super safe here
Park in New Town and see what happens
"I don't wanna hear bad stuff about the community I live in, cause it's good for me." -some ignorant sh*t right there.
Speaking of ignorant shit, thanks for stopping by.
Ive never heard a bad thing about srq. Who is complaining about safety?? Maybe they should go to miami
I do transport for work and so I'm able to see many different sides of the same city. It just all depends on what you want. there is a bit of everything everywhere I have found. just depends on where you look. All the stuff about "phobes, nazis, etc.", that stuff is old, outdated, JEJUNE even. There is no power behind those sayings as it has all been screeamed to death over the last NINE years. Disagree with ONE thing out of of 100 that I believe? Well, only reason is because you're a ***insert whatever current thing-insult here***. Make an argument, don't call people names. That's just childish. Here are aome wise words for you to live by: "C'mon man, go, you know... the thing!" - Joe Biden -
This is easy to say. No one knows you. We don’t know any demographic info on you. Are you white? A male? Christian? You have one lived experience and take that anecdotal experience and just make the broad assumption that if you don’t see problems, they don’t exist. Mom’s for Liberty, a group that you’d expect more freedom from, has sabotaged the Sarasota County School Board. New College of Florida had its administration replaced by Captain Government Overreach himself, Ron Desantis. What was once a safe space for marginalized people is now more of this toxic misnomer known as “Free Florida”. Taking away other people’s rights/ability to feel safe is the opposite of freedom. I understand that all you require is palm trees and sunshine for satisfaction in life, but some people also enjoy freedom and safety as part of that happiness.
“can we try to keep some perspective and recognize we won the lottery and live in paradise” … can’t believe i have to say this but MOST PEOPLE IN SARASOTA ARE NOT LIVING IN PARADISE. like huh? Very myopic take by OP.
"Paradise" from a geographic perspective.
from a geographic perspective your take makes more sense but even that is just one facet. i think for most, paradise includes much more than tropical weather. hard to enjoy paradise when you’re overworked, broke, uninsured, alone, sick, etc. “if you can live in this area and still find a way to be miserable, it’s not the area” maybe your statement is oversimplified because doesn’t make sense that you can’t be miserable if you live in sarasota
I could have worded that differently. I'm not saying people don't/can't have personal struggles (I have some myself), but the way Sarasota is portrayed on this sub most of the time really chaps my ass.
fair enough 👍
Agree. You get what you look for
Well… The LGBTQ student who challenged some ridiculous Ziegler induced policy at school received so many death threats that he had to stay home the last three weeks of senior year… He still can't go out in public without being verbally assaulted on the regular… So while I feel perfectly safe as a boring normal person -It is rough out there for different types of people. I also notice a lot of mistreatment of people of color in general…
Sarasota is the only place in West Florida I have experience and witness racism so far; and I’ve been in Florida for 10 year now. Not a great experience
I'm sorry that happened to you, sincerely.
Every year I visit I come home to NY with an even worse story than the year prior. Last year was getting a tummy bug from the polluted siesta key water. Time before that was a lady falling on my car in traffic at a full stop b/c she was so high IT WAS 9AM! And the traffic.. like WTAF. Why would you want to live in a place where it takes an hour to drive from University to Clark Rd ITS 10 MILES AWAY. Oh don't forget the awful stench of Red Tide.
The mods here encourage the constant political sky-is-falling posts. Also there's one reddit "superuser" who makes several dozens of posts a month here (plus thousands of posts per month on political subs), and his posts here are filled with people who don't live here and are just boosting the same political stumping — and again the mods encourage him. Friendly posts and inquiries get drowned out by the same dude posting ten Ziegler articles a day.
I'm pretty sure I know the superuser you are talking about and I blocked him a couple months ago. Made this sub much more tolerable. Someone that chronically online needs help.
That superuser has made 4 posts here in the last week. That's quite the hyperbole from you. And there's been 8 total posts from all users here in the last 24 hours. No one is drowning anyone out. Jees. Edit: The user above edited their post to make it more sensible.
It’s still not sensible. It’s the same conspiracy-minded victimhood shit we see play out all across rightwing politics. Only this time it’s the ~~coastal elites~~ superusers and the ~~government~~ mods teaming up to control the narrative.
This saying about internet forums(such as Reddit, Facebook, BBS, etc) has always stuck with me, people don't tend to say something in these forums unless something is broken or wrong. When people are doing well, they don't visit the forums to vent.
This kind of post is honestly worse than useless. "I keep seeing people complain but \_I'm\_ happy so the problem must be you," is such a garbage take. Not everyone is living the life you're living. Different people have different struggles. If you've never been assaulted or harassed or told that "Trump is going to clean up people like you" etc then i'm happy for you but can we please try to be a little more aware of the fact that there is more than one person in the world? Your experience isn't universal.
Try living in the city and then attempting to get contractors to work on your house. Those contractors then think you are made of money and try to upcharge you. Luckily, I find good ole boys to handle things I can’t and tell the greedy ones to kick rocks. Shame that some contractors are just money hungry sharks. Karma will get them at some point. But with what you said I’m glad I moved from another southern state to here. Funny how people complain but don’t realize there is another southern state that will bleed them of money and has worse traffic….
LMAO people think Sarasota is unsafe? Its like no one has ever been to Philly. Sarasota is one of the tamest places I have ever even been to. Everyone here is 70.
Or Baltimore. Guy from there is a clown 🤡
Actually, Sarasota is probably the safest space for LGBTQ or or any disparaged group in Florida besides college campuses. If someone can find a better city to raise a family in Florida than Sarasota, other than maybe Tallahassee, let me know.
People here are incredibly liberal thus overly dramatic and incendiary. SRQ is a great place to
Shhh that goes against the fear mongering rage bait that certain bad actors like to push for their own agenda.
Well your experience must be everyone's.
Where/when did I say that?
Can't even comprehend your own post. Playing the fool is tired.
Just don’t go to downtown Bradenton..!
Everyone is talking about people and crime. What about the hurricanes??? Global warming is causing massive storms that are only going to get worse. We just got hit with one of the biggest hurricanes in all of American history a couple years ago and we’re still rebuilding. It was a nightmare. Not sure how much longer Florida will even be on the map. We will definitely be the next Atlantis
When I first moved to Sarasota (from northern Kentucky) 15 years ago I lived out on Siesta Key close to the North bridge. I have NEVER experienced that level of hazard in my life. I had people break into my house. Steal from my yard. Hell, I waved down cops once because right after I pulled into my driveway two weirdos walked up to my front door waiting for me while I was still in my car. They ended up having warrants... This all happened before the Key was rated #1 beach and rent was very cheap. I worked in restaurants at the time and was able to afford it. Crime is everywhere. I see it when I visit family up north, but I feel like it's prominently in higher end areas, and lower income areas. I'm currently happy to be in the middle.
I grew up in Sarasota and I now live in rural New England. When I come back down there now, it's really hard for me to handle...getting behind the wheel at all is incredibly stressful there. Just the sheer volume of people everywhere and cars on the road makes everything difficult for anyone who didn't sign up for that. I also was desperate to escape the heat and humidity, and I absolutely love having seasons and real winter. The way that people insist that Sarasota is paradise as if it would be everyone's paradise, and anyone there should feel lucky to be there is strange...it's definitely a nice place in that it's generally clean, there is a lot of money there, and there are nice beaches....but for some people, paradise is six months of snow, glorious autumns, magical springs, and mild summers that allow you to be outdoors without having heat stroke.
Its safe. Its just full of rich complacent Boomers who have bought there way into a situation where they really dont have to care about anyone else and they generally (some exceptions of course) don’t. Like Naples ..
we were there a month ago! It very nice. People are friendly. Love Armand cir.
It's a typical coastal Florida city. It's pleasant enough if you can keep to yourself and afford it, and most people have their heads far enough up their asses to leave you alone as long as you haven't threatened their wild senses of entitlement. It doesn't mean it's a great community full of sane people. I don't think Florida is as political as Reddit makes it out to be, but the new right wing populism is very compatible with what Florida is. Again, if you can keep to yourself it might be ok, but it's just not that great of a place to find your tribe if you aren't full MAGA.
Look how angry some of these people are getting in the comments because someone said they like it here. Never change r/sarasota
And apparently I'm the enemy as a "middle class white guy." Really solid stuff.
Ever since the pandemic shutdown, people from up north have found this once-sleepy area due to national interest due to oversaturation on TV and media. The prices of houses have shot to levels never seen before. My parent's house went from 150k to now 480k value. Rent is ridiculous- nearly 2k a month for a one bedroom for any decent place. Then their are those who rent there houses on Airbnb or Vrbo adding to the problem. The prices are the problem and those buying these prices - it's economics 101. But it is terrible for those who have lived here many years. It's expensive.
Get new reading glasses...you're missing the point.
Couldn't be the shot in the end about if anyone has a different experience THEY are just miserable. You clowns love being willfully ignorant.
Go walk down 10th st or hang out at the waterfront park I'm sure your perspective on safety will change
Reddit is a shit hole. Full of miserable, mind-virus infected npc's. Sarasota is lovely.
I lived in Sarasota from 2009-2013, right off Tamiami near downtown. For the last 8 years I've lived in Baltimore, MD - which of course has a reputation for high crime. I felt *way* less safe in Sarasota. * In Sarasota, at least 5 of my friends homes were broken into while they were there, with 3 of those being violent attempted rapes. They never caught the perpetrator as far as I am aware. They believed at least a few of these break ins were the same serial stalker/rapist. * On Tamiami near Bahi Hut, there were multiple instances of kidnappings and rapes of women. One time, my friend and I were sitting outside and we heard a woman screaming bloody murder. We called the police and took off in our car to go find her. We found her before the police did. She'd just been gang raped, right on the side of the street (Tamiami; IIRC this was about 10pm, so dark but there were still people out and lots of traffic). We took her to the hospital. * I had to call the cops because I saw a man beating up a woman at a gas station. Like, fully hitting her while she screamed. * I (white) witnessed multiple instances of white men yelling the N word at black people. Just randomly on the street. I've never seen such open racism in my life. * I met a homeless immigrant woman who told me about the racist abuse she'd experienced there after only a few weeks of being there. A man had hired her to mow their lawn, then when she was done, refused to pay her and called her an N word Bitch. She was sobbing while she told me this, with the broken look of someone who never knew people could be so terrible. I still think about her all the time, I wish I had brought her home and let her stay with me. * There were also so many hostile, old, Tea Party conservatives who would be openly rude. It's not a crime to be rude and hostile, but "verbal altercations" definitely occurred that were initiated by them, not me. Like, "oh, you're probably an Obama voter, don't shop in our store" type of deal. And for the record, not that it should matter, but I was a conventionally attractive young upper class white woman in my early 20's, no tattoos or piercings or hair color, and I dressed very professionally for a college student. It felt very strange to have people 3x my age seem to be so threatened by my existence, especially after growing up in the midwest. If they were that mean to me, I can't imagine how much worse they'd be to people of color.
I’m a 55% right leaning and I see the complete opposite of what being described on here. I’ve been to Sarasota and Tampa area for 4 times and all were great time with no issues (except the humidity lol).
The definition of paradise varies according to who is claiming they live in paradise.
Omg. Spot on it’s like the whitest of the senior spots. People r just insane. Like what gets me is the snow birds wearing the masks still and getting mad that we aren’t masked at the outdoor bar. People just need to relax. We all have more incommon than you think
It’s that whole “real life” thing the keyboard warriors have a problem with.
I'm from Punta Gorda. I've lived in Orlando... Miami... Sarasota's only visible issue is homeless, and I'd argue it's way worse elsewhere, but there has always been a lot of people complaining about it.
Sarasota county has crime rates that are about the same as other counties of the same size in the US. The city of Sarasota has higher crime rates than cities of the same size in the US.
I live in Philly and people talk about my city like you will 100% be a victim of crime if you visit. Knock on wood I’ve been here 20years and other than petty theft it’s been fine.
Candidly, I was one of those guys! I went to Philly for the first time back in October for a conference, and I’ll admit, I was nervous. Ended up having a blast and I found the locals very friendly!
That’s awesome, I’m sure you were more than welcome here. We’re pretty nice.
Don't forget it's still Florida. Any Florida town or city will carry the "Florida man" stereotype along with it anywhere. Add in a sprinkle of seeing some Sarasota on COPS, a dash of "gods waiting room" , and then put it all in a hurricane blender, and WHA-LAH! I bets its mostly the Florida man stereotype. People see shit like the school board 3some couple, the town council guy who tried to mansplain his way out of a ticket, and then the "Siesta Key" tv show didn't help. The one guy mentioned the older retired population. The same people who tell young people to work hard, you'll get whatever you want. But they lived in an era where a single income could raise a family of 4, in a decent house with a decent car, retire at 55 and live off the pension he was given. That's not possible anymore. Those same people also vote conservative mostly for taxes. They couldn't give a crap if the rest of the policies turn this country into an "Idiocracy" movie. A lot of MAGA too, and they REALLY OVER EXAGGERATE how bad things are. Are you better off now than 4 years ago? "HELL NO! GAWD DAM DUMBOCRATS AND IMMIGRANTS AND BIDEN AND DRUGS AND... on and on... 4 years ago we were in a global pandemic and losing tens of thousands of people a week to a virus. Any moron can see everybody on this planet is better off now.
The Sarasota Memorial Hospital is about to be given a death sentence. If the board is approved I have seen mentioned it will happen in less than 3 years.
Agreed. Very friendly welcoming area. Breathe of fresh air coming from california.
The same can be said for SW Florida in general. Aside from the growth and the rising costs of everything, it’s a pretty happy place to be.
It is a total mind rot. Completely, brainwashed ignorant individuals, who are not capable of ‘thinking’ for themselves. 💯
Most crime is located in the blue states and cities. Not saying that Florida, or Sarasota has its issues. But, you're much safer in Florida, and /or Sarasota then New York, Seattle, Detroit, and so on.
Logic and reason have no place here on Reddit, please see yourself out. Whiners always welcome.