Anxious to get home and see my dogs and horses but very sad to be living a paradise here in Sarasota. My wife and I flew down here for a week for a much overdue vacation and it's just an amazing place. I grew up partly on Longboat Key for those of you familiar with the area. After June 1, the hotel rates are quite reasonable. We stayed at a deluxe place for $179 a night (upscale bed and breakfast). Good weather, superb food, and best of all are the sunsets. I worry at some point the oil may reach these below Tampa Bay shores but in the mean time, this is a good place to get some sun and boating if anyone has an interest. Also I discovered Ocean Kayaking which is quite fun and good exercise. The hotel had a couple of these things and they are a blast. http://www.oceankayak.com/ Sarasota has a great airport and it's just a skip from the Atlanta airport (just over an hour flight time). There is also the great new surf clothing store called Shore on St. Armand's Circle. Some of the best retail design I have seen. Bought the obligatory T. A great place to vacation. Highest recommendation. 
