Sarasota newspaper news events
has long been a destination for the ultra-wealthy, particularly in enclaves like
, and Longboat Key . Some info may be historical and not current.
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Sarasota has long been a haven for the ultra-wealthy, including numerous Forbes-listed billionaires and high-profile millionaires from the worlds of business, entertainment, and sports.
Current and Former Billionaires
- Kenneth Feld & Family: As the head of Feld Entertainment (parent company of Disney on Ice and Monster Jam), Feld is often cited as one of the few Forbes-recognized billionaires officially residing in the Sarasota area, with a net worth estimated at $2.7 billion as of 2024.
- The Benderson Family: Scions of the late Nathan Benderson, the family behind Benderson Development, one of the largest private real estate companies in the U.S., has an estimated net worth between $2.5 and $3.5 billion.
- Julie Fancelli: An heiress to the Publix Super Markets fortune, she is part of one of America’s richest families, with a personal net worth estimated at $11.2 billion.
- Brian Cornell: The CEO of Target Corporation has been identified as a billionaire resident of the area.
- Jeffrey Vinik: The owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and former manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund owns a massive waterfront estate on St. Armands Key.
- David Tepper: The founder of Appaloosa Management and owner of the Carolina Panthers moved to the area, though he is primarily associated with hedge fund wealth in Florida more broadly.
- Julie Fancelli: An heiress to the Publix Super Markets fortune, she is part of one of America’s richest families, with a personal net worth estimated at $11.2 billion.
- Brian Cornell: The CEO of Target Corporation has been identified as a billionaire resident of the area.
- Jeffrey Vinik: The owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and former manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund owns a massive waterfront estate on St. Armands Key.
- David Tepper: The founder of Appaloosa Management and owner of the Carolina Panthers moved to the area, though he is primarily associated with hedge fund wealth in Florida more broadly.
Notable Millionaires and High-Net-Worth Residents
- Stephen King: The world-famous author has owned a secluded compound on Casey Key since 2001.
- Brian Johnson: The lead singer of AC/DC has lived on Bird Key since the mid-1990s and is a frequent sight in the local community.
- Joe Perry: The Aerosmith guitarist owns a residence on Longboat Key.
- Martina Navratilova: The tennis legend resides in the exclusive The Oaks Club community.
- Dick Vitale: The iconic college basketball broadcaster and philanthropist lives in the Laurel Oak Estates.
- Vern Buchanan: A U.S. Congressman and owner of various car dealerships, Buchanan is one of the wealthiest members of Congress with an estimated net worth of $150 million.
- Gary Kompothecras: The founder of the 1-800-ASK-GARY referral service and star of the reality show Siesta Key owns a prominent mansion on Siesta Key valued at over $18 million.
- Mick Jagger: While primarily residing elsewhere, Jagger famously purchased a home in Lakewood Ranch for his girlfriend, Melanie Hamrick.
Prominent Past Residents
- Jerry Springer: The late talk show host and former mayor of Cincinnati was a longtime resident of Bird Key.
- Dickey Betts: The late founding member of the Allman Brothers Band lived on Little Sarasota Bay for many years.
- Rosie O’Donnell: The entertainer formerly owned a beachfront estate on Casey Key before selling it in 2015
Former Famous Residents
- Jerry Springer: The late talk show host lived on
for many years.
- Tom Cruise: Sold his Sarasota mansion in 2021 to relocate primarily to Clearwater.
- Rosie O’Donnell: Has previously owned property in the area and was a frequent part-time resident.
Sarasota has a long history of attracting high-profile figures from the worlds of music, literature, sports, and entertainment. In 2026, the area continues to be home to several notable individuals who are not billionaires:
Musicians
- Brian Johnson: The lead singer of AC/DC has been a long-term resident of Bird Key since the 1990s and is frequently seen participating in local car shows.
- Joe Perry: The Aerosmith guitarist and his wife own a condominium on Longboat Key where they spend their downtime.
- Stu Cook: The bassist for Creedence Clearwater Revival is also a resident of the Sarasota-Manatee area.
- Mick Jagger: While primarily residing elsewhere, the Rolling Stones frontman purchased a home in Lakewood Ranch for his partner, Melanie Hamrick.
- Duane Betts: A singer-songwriter and guitarist (member of The Allman Betts Band) who carries on the legacy of his father, the late Dickey Betts, in the region.
Authors and Artists
- Stephen King: The prolific horror novelist maintains a highly private estate on the northern tip of Casey Key.
- Lincoln Child: The author known for techno-thriller and horror novels is a notable local resident.
- Bello Nock: A world-famous circus performer and “daredevil clown” known for his trademark tall hair, who grew up in the Sarasota circus community.
Athletes and Sports Personalities
- Dick Vitale: The iconic college basketball broadcaster and philanthropist lives in the gated community of Laurel Oak Estates.
- Martina Navratilova: One of the greatest tennis players of all time resides in Bird Key.
- Nik Wallenda: The world-renowned high-wire artist and Sarasota native still calls the city home.
- Brian Gottfried: A former top-ranked professional tennis player who reached world No. 3 in 1977.
Political and Media Figures
- Vern Buchanan: U.S. Representative for Florida’s 16th district and a prominent local businessman.
- Erik Arroyo: A local lawyer and former mayor of Sarasota.
- Andrew McCabe: The former Deputy Director of the FBI has been spotted as a resident in the area.
