It also has an interesting history. During the 1960s, the area was home to Floridaland Park (FLP), the largest theme park in the Sunshine State at the time. Attractions included a Western ghost town, an Indian village, a porpoise pool and a stern-wheel riverboat. It had dolphin and water ski shows. Visitors could feed fish to sea lions in a special pool and enjoy the creatures clapping their flippers in appreciation.

At its peak, as many as 5,000 tourists visited the 50-acre park a day. But financial difficulties and the opening of Disney World in Orlando in 1971 led to its demise the same year.

Today, nothing remains of FLP at Southbay but its maritime theme. Many of the streets have nautical names, such as Keel Way, Dory Lane and Sea Anchor Drive.

The seven-acre marina, one of Florida’s most affordable deep-water docking facilities, has 172 boat slips for use by residents. Filled with sailboats and small motor yachts, it accommodates vessels up to 55 feet long and has easy access to the Intracoastal.

A large clubhouse overlooking the marina offers tennis courts, a large, heated outdoor pool, a gym, a sauna, and a host of social events and activities.

For the athletic oriented, the community has 5 miles of paved walkways, good for walking, jogging, running, skating and bike riding. Its Lookout Point Park is perfect for a leisurely bayfront stroll at sunset.

In addition, Oscar Scherer State Park is literally across the Tamiami Trail, with campgrounds, canoeing, swimming and nature trails. Farther to the south, Nokomis Beach is just minutes away by car.

Diana Hager, a Realtor for Michael Saunders Co. who has sold a number of homes in Southbay and currently lists a house on Dory Lane, loves the community.

“It’s a great place to live,” she said.

Southbay’s more than 350 homes come in both Mediterranean and hacienda-style architecture. Many of the homes face the marina. Others are situated in park-like settings with large oak trees providing attractive landscaping.

Values range from around $300,000 for inland properties to million-dollar houses on the water.

Residents are a mix of active retirees, boaters and professionals. Because of nearby Pine View, the school for gifted and talented students, the area attracts younger families as well.

Homeowners’ fees are as reasonable as the docking charges at the marina. For $330 a quarter, residents get a full club membership and access to all community facilities.

Because Southbay owns its own irrigation plant, it can keep water costs low, billing residents according to usage. Income from the plant supports the homeowners association. Last year it was used to refurbish the tennis courts.

With its picturesque setting and convenient location — restaurants and shopping areas are all within easy driving distance — it is no wonder that Southbay continues to be a popular neighborhood.

Last year, 19 homes were sold. Inventory is low, however. Currently, only 17 properties are listed, ranging in price from $289,900 to $649,000.

“It’s not a buyer’s market here at the moment,” Hager said.

Lying midway between Sarasota and Venice on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club, also known as Southbay, is one of the area’s most attractive waterfront neighborhoods. Developed in the 1970s and ’80s, it looks out from the southernmost part of Osprey to Casey Key and is an ideal place for those seeking an active lifestyle revolving around the water.

It also has an interesting history. During the 1960s, the area was home to Floridaland Park (FLP), the largest theme park in the Sunshine State at the time. Attractions included a Western ghost town, an Indian village, a porpoise pool and a stern-wheel riverboat. It had dolphin and water ski shows. Visitors could feed fish to sea lions in a special pool and enjoy the creatures clapping their flippers in appreciation.

At its peak, as many as 5,000 tourists visited the 50-acre park a day. But financial difficulties and the opening of Disney World in Orlando in 1971 led to its demise the same year.

Today, nothing remains of FLP at Southbay but its maritime theme. Many of the streets have nautical names, such as Keel Way, Dory Lane and Sea Anchor Drive.

The seven-acre marina, one of Florida’s most affordable deep-water docking facilities, has 172 boat slips for use by residents. Filled with sailboats and small motor yachts, it accommodates vessels up to 55 feet long and has easy access to the Intracoastal.

A large clubhouse overlooking the marina offers tennis courts, a large, heated outdoor pool, a gym, a sauna, and a host of social events and activities.

For the athletic oriented, the community has 5 miles of paved walkways, good for walking, jogging, running, skating and bike riding. Its Lookout Point Park is perfect for a leisurely bayfront stroll at sunset.

In addition, Oscar Scherer State Park is literally across the Tamiami Trail, with campgrounds, canoeing, swimming and nature trails. Farther to the south, Nokomis Beach is just minutes away by car.

Diana Hager, a Realtor for Michael Saunders Co. who has sold a number of homes in Southbay and currently lists a house on Dory Lane, loves the community.

“It’s a great place to live,” she said.

Southbay’s more than 350 homes come in both Mediterranean and hacienda-style architecture. Many of the homes face the marina. Others are situated in park-like settings with large oak trees providing attractive landscaping.

Values range from around $300,000 for inland properties to million-dollar houses on the water.

Residents are a mix of active retirees, boaters and professionals. Because of nearby Pine View, the school for gifted and talented students, the area attracts younger families as well.

Homeowners’ fees are as reasonable as the docking charges at the marina. For $330 a quarter, residents get a full club membership and access to all community facilities.

Because Southbay owns its own irrigation plant, it can keep water costs low, billing residents according to usage. Income from the plant supports the homeowners association. Last year it was used to refurbish the tennis courts.

With its picturesque setting and convenient location — restaurants and shopping areas are all within easy driving distance — it is no wonder that Southbay continues to be a popular neighborhood.

Last year, 19 homes were sold. Inventory is low, however. Currently, only 17 properties are listed, ranging in price from $289,900 to $649,000.

“It’s not a buyer’s market here at the moment,” Hager said.

Lying midway between Sarasota and Venice on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club, also known as Southbay, is one of the area’s most attractive waterfront neighborhoods. Developed in the 1970s and ’80s, it looks out from the southernmost part of Osprey to Casey Key and is an ideal place for those seeking an active lifestyle revolving around the water.

It also has an interesting history. During the 1960s, the area was home to Floridaland Park (FLP), the largest theme park in the Sunshine State at the time. Attractions included a Western ghost town, an Indian village, a porpoise pool and a stern-wheel riverboat. It had dolphin and water ski shows. Visitors could feed fish to sea lions in a special pool and enjoy the creatures clapping their flippers in appreciation.

At its peak, as many as 5,000 tourists visited the 50-acre park a day. But financial difficulties and the opening of Disney World in Orlando in 1971 led to its demise the same year.

Today, nothing remains of FLP at Southbay but its maritime theme. Many of the streets have nautical names, such as Keel Way, Dory Lane and Sea Anchor Drive.

The seven-acre marina, one of Florida’s most affordable deep-water docking facilities, has 172 boat slips for use by residents. Filled with sailboats and small motor yachts, it accommodates vessels up to 55 feet long and has easy access to the Intracoastal.

A large clubhouse overlooking the marina offers tennis courts, a large, heated outdoor pool, a gym, a sauna, and a host of social events and activities.

For the athletic oriented, the community has 5 miles of paved walkways, good for walking, jogging, running, skating and bike riding. Its Lookout Point Park is perfect for a leisurely bayfront stroll at sunset.

In addition, Oscar Scherer State Park is literally across the Tamiami Trail, with campgrounds, canoeing, swimming and nature trails. Farther to the south, Nokomis Beach is just minutes away by car.

Diana Hager, a Realtor for Michael Saunders Co. who has sold a number of homes in Southbay and currently lists a house on Dory Lane, loves the community.

“It’s a great place to live,” she said.

Southbay’s more than 350 homes come in both Mediterranean and hacienda-style architecture. Many of the homes face the marina. Others are situated in park-like settings with large oak trees providing attractive landscaping.

Values range from around $300,000 for inland properties to million-dollar houses on the water.

Residents are a mix of active retirees, boaters and professionals. Because of nearby Pine View, the school for gifted and talented students, the area attracts younger families as well.

Homeowners’ fees are as reasonable as the docking charges at the marina. For $330 a quarter, residents get a full club membership and access to all community facilities.

Because Southbay owns its own irrigation plant, it can keep water costs low, billing residents according to usage. Income from the plant supports the homeowners association. Last year it was used to refurbish the tennis courts.

With its picturesque setting and convenient location — restaurants and shopping areas are all within easy driving distance — it is no wonder that Southbay continues to be a popular neighborhood.

Last year, 19 homes were sold. Inventory is low, however. Currently, only 17 properties are listed, ranging in price from $289,900 to $649,000.

“It’s not a buyer’s market here at the moment,” Hager said.

Lying midway between Sarasota and Venice on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club, also known as Southbay, is one of the area’s most attractive waterfront neighborhoods. Developed in the 1970s and ’80s, it looks out from the southernmost part of Osprey to Casey Key and is an ideal place for those seeking an active lifestyle revolving around the water.

It also has an interesting history. During the 1960s, the area was home to Floridaland Park (FLP), the largest theme park in the Sunshine State at the time. Attractions included a Western ghost town, an Indian village, a porpoise pool and a stern-wheel riverboat. It had dolphin and water ski shows. Visitors could feed fish to sea lions in a special pool and enjoy the creatures clapping their flippers in appreciation.

At its peak, as many as 5,000 tourists visited the 50-acre park a day. But financial difficulties and the opening of Disney World in Orlando in 1971 led to its demise the same year.

Today, nothing remains of FLP at Southbay but its maritime theme. Many of the streets have nautical names, such as Keel Way, Dory Lane and Sea Anchor Drive.

The seven-acre marina, one of Florida’s most affordable deep-water docking facilities, has 172 boat slips for use by residents. Filled with sailboats and small motor yachts, it accommodates vessels up to 55 feet long and has easy access to the Intracoastal.

A large clubhouse overlooking the marina offers tennis courts, a large, heated outdoor pool, a gym, a sauna, and a host of social events and activities.

For the athletic oriented, the community has 5 miles of paved walkways, good for walking, jogging, running, skating and bike riding. Its Lookout Point Park is perfect for a leisurely bayfront stroll at sunset.

In addition, Oscar Scherer State Park is literally across the Tamiami Trail, with campgrounds, canoeing, swimming and nature trails. Farther to the south, Nokomis Beach is just minutes away by car.

Diana Hager, a Realtor for Michael Saunders Co. who has sold a number of homes in Southbay and currently lists a house on Dory Lane, loves the community.

“It’s a great place to live,” she said.

Southbay’s more than 350 homes come in both Mediterranean and hacienda-style architecture. Many of the homes face the marina. Others are situated in park-like settings with large oak trees providing attractive landscaping.

Values range from around $300,000 for inland properties to million-dollar houses on the water.

Residents are a mix of active retirees, boaters and professionals. Because of nearby Pine View, the school for gifted and talented students, the area attracts younger families as well.

Homeowners’ fees are as reasonable as the docking charges at the marina. For $330 a quarter, residents get a full club membership and access to all community facilities.

Because Southbay owns its own irrigation plant, it can keep water costs low, billing residents according to usage. Income from the plant supports the homeowners association. Last year it was used to refurbish the tennis courts.

With its picturesque setting and convenient location — restaurants and shopping areas are all within easy driving distance — it is no wonder that Southbay continues to be a popular neighborhood.

Last year, 19 homes were sold. Inventory is low, however. Currently, only 17 properties are listed, ranging in price from $289,900 to $649,000.

“It’s not a buyer’s market here at the moment,” Hager said.

Lying midway between Sarasota and Venice on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club, also known as Southbay, is one of the area’s most attractive waterfront neighborhoods. Developed in the 1970s and ’80s, it looks out from the southernmost part of Osprey to Casey Key and is an ideal place for those seeking an active lifestyle revolving around the water.

It also has an interesting history. During the 1960s, the area was home to Floridaland Park (FLP), the largest theme park in the Sunshine State at the time. Attractions included a Western ghost town, an Indian village, a porpoise pool and a stern-wheel riverboat. It had dolphin and water ski shows. Visitors could feed fish to sea lions in a special pool and enjoy the creatures clapping their flippers in appreciation.

At its peak, as many as 5,000 tourists visited the 50-acre park a day. But financial difficulties and the opening of Disney World in Orlando in 1971 led to its demise the same year.

Today, nothing remains of FLP at Southbay but its maritime theme. Many of the streets have nautical names, such as Keel Way, Dory Lane and Sea Anchor Drive.

The seven-acre marina, one of Florida’s most affordable deep-water docking facilities, has 172 boat slips for use by residents. Filled with sailboats and small motor yachts, it accommodates vessels up to 55 feet long and has easy access to the Intracoastal.

A large clubhouse overlooking the marina offers tennis courts, a large, heated outdoor pool, a gym, a sauna, and a host of social events and activities.

For the athletic oriented, the community has 5 miles of paved walkways, good for walking, jogging, running, skating and bike riding. Its Lookout Point Park is perfect for a leisurely bayfront stroll at sunset.

In addition, Oscar Scherer State Park is literally across the Tamiami Trail, with campgrounds, canoeing, swimming and nature trails. Farther to the south, Nokomis Beach is just minutes away by car.

Diana Hager, a Realtor for Michael Saunders Co. who has sold a number of homes in Southbay and currently lists a house on Dory Lane, loves the community.

“It’s a great place to live,” she said.

Southbay’s more than 350 homes come in both Mediterranean and hacienda-style architecture. Many of the homes face the marina. Others are situated in park-like settings with large oak trees providing attractive landscaping.

Values range from around $300,000 for inland properties to million-dollar houses on the water.

Residents are a mix of active retirees, boaters and professionals. Because of nearby Pine View, the school for gifted and talented students, the area attracts younger families as well.

Homeowners’ fees are as reasonable as the docking charges at the marina. For $330 a quarter, residents get a full club membership and access to all community facilities.

Because Southbay owns its own irrigation plant, it can keep water costs low, billing residents according to usage. Income from the plant supports the homeowners association. Last year it was used to refurbish the tennis courts.

With its picturesque setting and convenient location — restaurants and shopping areas are all within easy driving distance — it is no wonder that Southbay continues to be a popular neighborhood.

Last year, 19 homes were sold. Inventory is low, however. Currently, only 17 properties are listed, ranging in price from $289,900 to $649,000.

“It’s not a buyer’s market here at the moment,” Hager said.

Lying midway between Sarasota and Venice on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club, also known as Southbay, is one of the area’s most attractive waterfront neighborhoods. Developed in the 1970s and ’80s, it looks out from the southernmost part of Osprey to Casey Key and is an ideal place for those seeking an active lifestyle revolving around the water.

It also has an interesting history. During the 1960s, the area was home to Floridaland Park (FLP), the largest theme park in the Sunshine State at the time. Attractions included a Western ghost town, an Indian village, a porpoise pool and a stern-wheel riverboat. It had dolphin and water ski shows. Visitors could feed fish to sea lions in a special pool and enjoy the creatures clapping their flippers in appreciation.

At its peak, as many as 5,000 tourists visited the 50-acre park a day. But financial difficulties and the opening of Disney World in Orlando in 1971 led to its demise the same year.

Today, nothing remains of FLP at Southbay but its maritime theme. Many of the streets have nautical names, such as Keel Way, Dory Lane and Sea Anchor Drive.

The seven-acre marina, one of Florida’s most affordable deep-water docking facilities, has 172 boat slips for use by residents. Filled with sailboats and small motor yachts, it accommodates vessels up to 55 feet long and has easy access to the Intracoastal.

A large clubhouse overlooking the marina offers tennis courts, a large, heated outdoor pool, a gym, a sauna, and a host of social events and activities.

For the athletic oriented, the community has 5 miles of paved walkways, good for walking, jogging, running, skating and bike riding. Its Lookout Point Park is perfect for a leisurely bayfront stroll at sunset.

In addition, Oscar Scherer State Park is literally across the Tamiami Trail, with campgrounds, canoeing, swimming and nature trails. Farther to the south, Nokomis Beach is just minutes away by car.

Diana Hager, a Realtor for Michael Saunders Co. who has sold a number of homes in Southbay and currently lists a house on Dory Lane, loves the community.

“It’s a great place to live,” she said.

Southbay’s more than 350 homes come in both Mediterranean and hacienda-style architecture. Many of the homes face the marina. Others are situated in park-like settings with large oak trees providing attractive landscaping.

Values range from around $300,000 for inland properties to million-dollar houses on the water.

Residents are a mix of active retirees, boaters and professionals. Because of nearby Pine View, the school for gifted and talented students, the area attracts younger families as well.

Homeowners’ fees are as reasonable as the docking charges at the marina. For $330 a quarter, residents get a full club membership and access to all community facilities.

Because Southbay owns its own irrigation plant, it can keep water costs low, billing residents according to usage. Income from the plant supports the homeowners association. Last year it was used to refurbish the tennis courts.

With its picturesque setting and convenient location — restaurants and shopping areas are all within easy driving distance — it is no wonder that Southbay continues to be a popular neighborhood.

Last year, 19 homes were sold. Inventory is low, however. Currently, only 17 properties are listed, ranging in price from $289,900 to $649,000.

“It’s not a buyer’s market here at the moment,” Hager said.