Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County Dept. of Historical Resources
Laurel Park in 1920 was mostly undeveloped land. John Hamilton Gillespie’s home, Roseburn stood alone on Morrill Street. A few vernacular frame homes were scattered among the streets. The newly formed Sarasota County housed their administrative offices and court house on Oak Street in the 20’s but it was not until the mid 1920’s that construction truly escalated in the neighborhood.
In 1920 Sarasota’s leaders saw their tax dollars going to Manatee County with little return to Sarasota. A movement was afoot to break from Manatee and form Sarasota County. To the dismay of Venice, the City of Sarasota was chosen as the county seat.
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Laurel Park Historic District 