Traditionally, Sarasota and its economy have been defined by a large population of affluent retirees, highly rated beaches and a vibrant arts scene — the legacy of, among others, circus legend John Ringling and his wife, Mable. The area’s mainstay tourism- and real estate-related industries continue to thrive. But its economy is evolving. Sarasota’s size, good local schools and arts infrastructure are attracting a young “creative class” of workers and entrepreneurs for whom quality-of-life considerations are paramount in deciding where to live and work. Some of Sarasota’s fastest-growing companies are in tech-driven sectors such as health care innovation, which now accounts for about 70 employers and more than 2,500 jobs. Hoping to further diversify the economy, economic developers now market the area as the “Creative Coast.” Read about the county’s economic backbone as well as its demographics, quality of life and notable firms and people.

ALSO IN THIS ARTCLE: GreenPointe Communities; Jesse Biter; Larry Thompson; Ringling College of Art and Design; Rich Swier; HuB; Dart Container; FCCI Insurance Group; Southeast Venture Holdings; RPS Diagnostics; US Nano; Sun Hydraulics; PGT Industries; Tervis Tumbler; Boar’s Head; Atlantic Mold and Machining; BioLucid; CAE Healthcare; Voalte; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens; St. Armands Circle; Mary Bensel; Fiona Crawford; Patrick Dorsey; Virginia Haley; Mark Huey; Craig Johnson; Trey Lauderdale; Steve Queior; Patrick Redmond; Nicole Rissler; Willie Charles Shaw.

Read the full Community Portrait here.