Vote now for best beach in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area. Polls close 2 p.m. Thursday 3/16
Our battle among the best beaches of Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, which routinely rank among the greatest in the world, has begun. Which one is your favorite? That's the big question we're putting out there for our inaugural Best Beach Challenge that will result in a champion being crowned April 3.
Top 16 voting ended last week and now you must choose among the Elite 8 for another round of head-to-head matchups. Voting on the second round of matchups starts now with the polls closing 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16. The voting will restart weekly each Monday through Thursday concluding with The Finals taking place March 27-30.
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Voting guide and championship dates
Voting continues today, March 13, and ends at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16.
Final Four voting begins on Monday, March 20, and ends at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23.
The Finals are March 27-30.
Winner announced Monday, April 3.
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Siesta Beach vs. South Lido Beach
Recently named the No. 2 beach in the U.S. (and No. 11 in the world) by Tripadvisor, our top seed Siesta Beach on the north end of Siesta Key in Sarasota County is most famous for its soft sand made almost exclusively of pure quartz, which remains cool on the feet even when baked in the Florida sun. Siesta Beach, which is right by bustling Siesta Key Village, faces off against South Lido Beach (aka Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach). It offers lots of lovely beach backed by wooded areas while a short drive or even bike ride from the restaurants and shops of St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota.
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Brohard Park vs. Blind Pass Beach
Brohard Park in Venice is home to landmarks like Venice Fishing Pier, Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins at Sharky's and Paw Park, with the latter making this the only beach where you can legally swim with your pup in Sarasota County. Blind Pass Beach on Manasota Key is a narrow strip of gorgeous sand perhaps best known for its mangrove trails.
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Turtle Beach vs. Nokomis Beach
While not nearly as famous as nearby Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach on the south end of Siesta Key also has superb sand along with one of the few campgrounds in Florida that offers direct beach access and perfect sunset viewing. The oldest public beach in Sarasota County, Nokomis Beach on Casey Key features the Nokomis Beach Plaza designed by Jack West in 1955 and places you right by two of south Sarasota County's best waterfront restaurants and bars: Pop's Sunset Grill and Pelican Alley.
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Venice Beach vs. Lido Beach
Featuring its signature “sail” style pavilion, an interactive sea turtle sculpture and mobility mat, Venice Beach is found at the end of West Venice Avenue about a mile from the center of historic downtown Venice and its large concentration of Italian restaurants, plus various other dining and drinking spots including a Daiquiri Deck ideal for post-sunbathing libations. Named one of the country’s best restored beaches in 2021, Lido Beach is a white sands jewel featuring the Lido Beach Pavilion and Lido Island Grill and easy access to three of the region's best beach bars open to the public: Lido Beach Resort's poolside tiki bar, the Sandcastle Resort's poolside tiki bar, and the Lido Key Tiki Bar located directly behind The Ritz-Carlton's otherwise private Beach Club.
Using the app? Click here to cast your vote.
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Vote now for best beach in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area
