Changes have been made for all communities in the Florida and remapping projects a still in the progress.

When you hear that all of Florida is in a flood zone, this is correct but a misinformed statement. Depending on the area 50% to 80% flood zones are is in a special flood hazard area (SFHA), where the mortgage companies will require flood insurance. The other 20% to 50% is in the flood zone B, C and X where the flood insurance can be purchased but is a choice of the property owners....

You might want to do some reading in the Sarasota/Bradenton sub form. There's tons of talk about good, bad and in between neighborhoods. Anywhere west of US 41 is going to be very pretty, quaint, etc. You really can't go wrong with that area.

The only problem with the keys in the winter time is that they jack up the rent when the snowbirds come to town. So, you're going to be paying a lot more until after Easter unless you find someone that will rent to you annually.

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High levels of foreclosures are causing all sorts of problems for condo associations, which are having to slash costs and amenities and often impose assessments on solvent owners to maintain deteriorating infrastructure.

Condo buyers need to find out as much as they can about complexes before they plunk down cash.

I suggested asking the following questions:
• How much money has the complex put into reserves to deal with future infrastructure needs?
•...

Most of the keys in the area are pretty neat and everyone has a different feel.

In my opinion, Siesta Key has the youngest vibe. Probably due to the handful of bars and several restaurants in the village that seem to draw the younger crowd. Most of the bands that play out at the Siesta bars seemed to be geared more for the younger crowd as well.

Longboat always had more of an old money feel to me. There really is no downtown area on Longboat either, unless you consider...

The flood zones change throughout Sarasota. Generally speaking, the closer you are to water the more likely you are to be in a flood zone. Here's a link to the FEMA flood maps. You can just punch in an address and come up with the flood zone. FEMA Map Service Center -

I always like to double check the zones with the insurance companies but I've had some that aren't experienced in quoting flood rates give me incorrect info. The above website is where they would be pulling their info...