Indian Beach-Sapphire Shores Association, Inc. is a voluntary neighborhood association whose members have worked together for more than fifty years to enhance the quality of life and Old Florida environment of their historic bayfront neighborhood.
Bounded on the north by the Ringling Museum, the south by Whitaker Bayou, the west by Sarasota Bay and the east by the Tamiami Cultural District (Route 41), neighborhood cultural and educational amenities include the John and Mable Ringling Museum, Asolo Performing Arts Theater, Sarasota Ballet, New College, University of South Florida, and Ringling College of Art and Design. Homes are only five minutes from downtown Sarasota with its many additional cultural amenities, and only 15 minutes from the white sand beaches of Lido Key.
Prehistoric Indians chose the area for winter settlements; later the first pioneers carved out homesteads. In the early twentieth century, the area became the fashionable location for winter estates of wealthy northerners. Many year-round residents then settled in the community and their diversity is reflected in architectural styles ranging from 1920s Mediterranean Revival to 1950s ranches and the famous local modern vernacular of the Sarasota School of Architecture.
Neighbors are an eclectic mix of all ages, from young families to retirees, business executives, college professors, workers, students, entrepreneurs, artists, writers and musicians. The natural beauty of Florida sunsets over the bay, pods of manatees in bay and bayou waters, and beautiful tree canopy combine with cultural and academic offerings to create a unique neighborhood lifestyle.
Through the city's oldest Neighborhood Watch program, residents join to keep the neighborhood safe. Neighbors enjoy an
annual picnic, a neighborhood garage sale, a
newsletter that reaches all 1,020 residences, and an active online
newsgroup.
