On July 1, 2021, Sarasota County will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. The Clerk’s Office is observing the Centennial by adding historical markers throughout the building and producing a short documentary film, Original Splendor, highlighting the historic county courthouse and the work that’s been done over the years to preserve this landmark for our community.

The origins of our county have been well-documented by numerous historical groups in the region. Originally a part of Manatee County, citizens throughout the county were dissatisfied by a lack of good roads and inadequate representation in Tallahassee. After a series of public hearings during the summer of 1920, Sarasota County came into existence and began its journey as a newly formed district one year later.

In 1925, the county commissioners hired renowned architect, Dwight James Baum, to design the courthouse building. Back in the 1920s, architecture was aspirational and the Florida land boom and roaring 20s made for a perfect combination to introduce the Mediterranean Revival Style of architecture to the community. Baum first visited Sarasota in 1922 and drew the attention of John and Mable Ringling, who hired him to design their beautiful home, Ca’ d’Zan. He was also commissioned to design several other buildings, including the Sarasota Times Building, El Verona apartments and hotel, and the First Presbyterian Church, all of which have all become beloved landmarks of our community. Baum’s famed designs resulted in Sarasota becoming known as a cultural tourist destination throughout the world.

The Sarasota County Courthouse, which his now called the historic courthouse, was majestic for its day. From intricate iron work styled by Samuel Yellin, to the terrazzo floors, wide rotundas, marble walls and the incredibly detailed tower, the historic courthouse is a beautiful representation of the Mediterranean Revival Style. When the building was opened, there was a great sense of pride throughout the community to celebrate this historic building.

But the Florida climate is not friendly to older buildings and after decades of rain, intense sun, high winds and humidity, the building fell into disrepair, especially the tower, which required major restructuring to ensure its integrity for the future. In addition, with the growth of our community, entities such as the Sheriff’s Office, county jail, judiciary and other government agencies vacated the historic courthouse in favor of their own facilities.

These changes created opportunity for renovations and remodeling to accommodate the Clerk’s Office, which is the only remaining agency in the building. From the first renovation in 1955 to the most recent one in 2017, architects, designers, artisans and craftsman have all worked together to preserve this courthouse and return it to its original splendor. We are grateful for the financial support of the county commission to fund the vital renovations and maintain the building’s history.

Thank you to the contributors to the Centennial documentary film who shared their stories and voices to this incredible project, including Karen E. Rushing, Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller,  Judge Kimberly Bonner,  Judge Stephen Dakan, Dan Bailey Jr. with Williams-Parker, Glenn Darling with Hall Darling Design Studio, historian,  Jeff LaHurd and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. A special thanks also goes out to TriForce Pictures for their creative talent producing the short documentary film.

Original Splendor Documentary

In celebration of Sarasota County's Centennial Year, we invite you to view Original Splendor, a documentary about the Sarasota County Historic Courthouse.

Join the Celebration

Visit SarasotaCounty100.com to learn more about Sarasota County's 100 years of service and ways to celebrate with your community.