Sarasota
The perfect staycation or relocation
RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
Whether you’re eyeing the staycation that’s
all you’ve ever wanted or considering
the relocation of your dreams, Sarasota
can be the perfect fi t for you. From its beautiful beaches
to dynamic downtown, the city has it all—including a
thriving LGBTQ community.
Hyatt Place Sarasota/Lakewood
Ranch Front Desk Manager John
George certainly sees it that way.
While he’s a native of North Carolina
and ultimately relocated to Sarasota
himself, it’s his job to spell out the
best the city has to offer for all of
its visitors.
He says that the Hyatt is the
perfect place for him to do so,
given its culture of acceptance. The
organization’s corporate website touts
its 100 percent rating on the Human
Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality
Index, noting the organization isn’t
shy in showing employees, customers
and the globe that it supports the
LGBTQ community.
“You’ll never be discriminated
against when you join the Hyatt
family,” George shares, so mething he
makes evident to hotel guests when
he introduces them to Sarasota.
“I love sending them to the local
and less-commercialized sites that
Sarasota has to offer,” George says,
“so they can truly get a feel for
Sarasota’s personality.” He recalls
his own early days in the city, when
he fell in love with Marina Jack in
downtown Sarasota and O’leary’s
Tiki Bar & Grill located on Bayfront
Dr.“It truly gives you a feel for
Sarasota’s vibe.”
On top of that, George recommends
the nightlife. “Oasis in Gulfgate is
open seven days a week with daily
drink specials and performers on the
weekends,” he says. “The Purple
Rhino is home to Drag Bingo and
shows during the week and is also
one of the oldest LGBTQ+ venues in
Sarasota. Opulence at the Starlite
Room is the newest up and coming
LGBTQ+ venue in Sarasota and has
been taking the city by storm with its
amazing shows and drink specials.”
George says that while the
LGBTQ community in Sarasota may
be smaller than other Florida cities,
“we are mighty!” After he relocated,
he recalls—he fell in love. “I can
walk down Main Street holding my
partner’s hand and have no fear of
profiling or discrimination,” he says.
“We’re truly fortunate.”
Sarasota resident Ken Shelin
agrees, having lived in the area with
his decades-long partner full-time
since 1996. Shelin has served on since
1996.Shelin has served on multiple
civic and governmental boards in the
city, including the Sarasota Planning
Board, and was elected to serve on the
Sarasota City Commission.
WARM WELCOME
Hyatt Place Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch Front Desk
Manager John George (C) and his teammates stress
Sarasota is a welcoming community to visitors.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN GEORGE
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