Unless you have been living under a rock this past week (which, honestly, it IS 2020, so who could blame you?!?), you will have heard that Mick Jagger just purchased a palatial home in Lakewood Ranch’s Lake Club. But Sarasotans are no stranger to famous folks living here! Here are some of our famous neighbors. Try not to be a tourist if you see them out and about — one of the reasons many enjoy a life here is they are able to lead relatively normal lives.
SARASOTA'S RICH & FAMOUS
MICK JAGGER | THE LAKE CLUB | LAKEWOOD RANCH
Well, the home is actually for his girlfriend, but we assume that since she’s young and gorgeous, he will be spending a lot of time there too! According to the Sarasota Magazine article, Jagger’s ladyfriend, Melanie Hamrick is a ballet dancer and her parents live nearby. (Neither of those things surprise us, really.) Likely drawn to our area because of the cultural connectedness we enjoy, we would love to see Ms. Hamrick grace a Sarasota Ballet stage near you! Here’s hoping.
AC/DC's BRIAN JOHNSON | BIRD KEY | SARASOTA
He’s been the frontman for one of the biggest bands in rock history since 1980, and a Sarasota resident since he bought his Bird Key home in 1995. While he is a complete regular about town, Mr. Johnson’s home is a private waterside oasis in this exclusive key neighborhood. Two stories with plenty of outdoor porch space, this expansive home of over 4000 sq’ also has a boat dock, waterfront pool, and a tennis court. I hate to keep saying palatial but, well, it’s positively palatial.
JERRY SPRINGER | BIRD KEY | SARASOTA
Neighbor to our dear friend Brian Johnson is none other than former Cincinnati mayor, Jerry Springer. You may know him from this tinnnnnny little TV show he had back in the day that would most definitely not be acceptable in today’s Age of Political Correctness! The talk show host moved to Sarasota in 1997 and loves it here, but don’t think we were his first choice! In a 2012 interview with the Observer, Springer indicated that Sarasota was his third choice! After ruling out California (too far of a commute for his Chicago-based TV show) and South Carolina (too cold!), he fell in love with our sparkling shores.
STEPHEN KING | CASEY KEY | NOKOMIS
Who would think that one of the greatest horror novelists of all time would live in such a serene and picturesque setting? To be fair, he wrote most of his best-known works while in Maine, a much more fitting setting for chilling horror (pun intended!). But since the early 2000s, he has called the ultra-private Casey Key home, building one of the most expensive mansions on our coast for nearly $9 million. King owns two homes on the key, one his main residence and private compound, and another where we assume he relegates his guests. Can’t say we blame him — who would want to share this?!
DICK VITALE | LAUREL OAK ESTATES | SARASOTA
Basketball coaching legend and longtime local philanthropist Dickie V. resides behind the gates of the beautiful inland neighborhood of Laurel Oak Estates. This sprawling golf community features spacious lots and plenty of privacy, tucked between the lush and mature landscaping, to provide the perfect respite for Mr. Vitale. The community has both an active social scene and a discretion about it; quiet and subdued luxury doesn’t scream opulence but instead whispers “class” and “taste.” His home overlooks fairway and water.
THE 1-800-ASK-GARY HOUSE | SIESTA KEY | SARASOTA
A house that shall live in infamy (and on our DVRs), the 1-800-ASK-GARY house is home to Alex of MTV’s Siesta Key crew. Completely the opposite of everything we just said about Laurel Oak, the home of Ask Gary founder Gary Kompothekras drips opulence and luxury, and has helped show the world that Sarasota is more than just a place to retire — it’s a place to PARTY! But we suppose that’s why the cameras rolled out. You can find this lowly hovel on the southern edge of Siesta Key Beach or at its regularly scheduled time on MTV, where it is everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure. Don’t judge us too harshly, world. We aren’t all like this in Sarasota!A house that shall live in infamy (and on our DVRs), the 1-800-ASK-GARY house is home to Alex of MTV’s Siesta Key crew. Completely the opposite of everything we just said about Laurel Oak, the home of Ask Gary founder Gary Kompothekras drips opulence and luxury, and has helped show the world that Sarasota is more than just a place to retire — it’s a place to PARTY! But we suppose that’s why the cameras rolled out. You can find this lowly hovel on the southern edge of Siesta Key Beach or at its regularly scheduled time on MTV, where it is everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure. Don’t judge us too harshly, world. We aren’t all like this in Sarasota!
Honorable mentions: Allman Brothers founding member Dickey Betts enjoys a waterfront home in Osprey. Tennis Greats Nick Bolliteri & Marina Navratilova both live locally, Navratilova on Casey Key and Bolletieri in Bradenton, and are probably the world’s most challenging doubles partners in the area! Dick Smothers, of the comedy duo The Smothers Brothers, lives on Bird Key just up the road from Brian Johnson. Did we miss someone? Comment below!
