Sarasota County, established in 1921, is located on the southwest coast of Florida. It encompasses an area of about 620 square miles and is located 285 miles south of the state capitol of Tallahassee and 60 miles south of Tampa. The county seat is in the City of Sarasota. In addition to the City of Sarasota, the other municipalities include the cities of Venice, North Port, and the Town of Longboat Key. The 2002 permanent population was estimated at 339,684, or about 548 persons per square mile. Slightly less than one-third are 65 years or older. Principal industries include tourism, agriculture, and light industry. Sarasota County Government has 2,200 employees with annual operating and capital resources of $850 million. For more information regarding Sarasota County, please visit our website at http://www.scgov.net