Has Sarasota changed for better?
In fairly ancient times – or so it seems, like the 1980s – I remember a charming small city on the Gulf of Mexico.
I believe it was called “Sarasota.”
Then, life was good.
The people were friendly and polite.
You could clearly see the sky, the water and the vegetation without any concrete interference.
Fast forward to 2026.
Today the roads are almost bumper-to-bumper up and down U.S. 41.
Everywhere you look, new condos are shooting up like trees gone wild.
Businesses are being uprooted to make room for more parking.
Everyone is taking up available space while kicking out wildlife and separating it from its natural habitats.
The original, pastel Florida bungalows that became charming, thriving and longstanding businesses and restaurants in our community are now being considered for the condo machine.
Sarasota has become crowded on so many levels; it is not the comforting home of yesteryear.
I fear it is in a man-made race with Miami to become a city without a welcoming personality – but with an appetite for growth.
Barbara J. Lupoff, Sarasota
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: The charming Sarasota I knew is gone for good. I miss it. | Letters
Reporting by Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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