Celebrities love Sarasota. But why? We asked real estate maven Diana Fischer with Michael Saunders & Company, and she said it’s pretty simple. “I think celebrities like Sarasota, because they can stay pretty private here.”

Privacy, serenity, and eclectic culture are just a few reasons why Sarasota tends to grab ahold of visitors, convincing them to stay a while. To say nothing of Siesta Key and its quaint Village area, two Sarasota staples that have recently earned top 10 rankings for best beach and beach scene in the U.S.

Nik Wallenda

Out of towners might not know it, but Sarasota is home to the world-famous Ringling Brothers circus and has a history steeped in performing arts. With that said, it’s fitting that we begin our list with a Sarasota native famous for death defying stunts.

Nick Wallenda is no stranger to the national spotlight. His harrowing high wire stunts have been televised several times, including his 2012 walk across Niagara Falls.

Dick Vitale

Better known around Sarasota as Dickie V, Dick Vitale first made his mark as a collegiate and professional basketball coach. In 1979, Dickie V became a broadcaster for ESPN. A true philanthropist at heart, he is perhaps most widely known for his charitable endeavors. We’re most moved by his V Foundation, and their mission to combat pediatric cancer.

Bobby Vinton

Next on our list is the always dapper and charming Bobby Vinton. When it comes to rock era love singers, no one does it better. In fact, Bobby Vinton has been named one of the best love singers in rock history. He first laid his Sarasota roots on Lido key. Before long, the residence became known as the Bobby Vinton house. Vinton now lives on Manasota Key.

Jeffrey Vinik

The Tampa Bay lightning is 1/3rd the reason the city is now known as Champa Bay. The reigning Stanley Cup champions are owned by Jeffrey Renyk, a New Jersey native who has since relocated to the Florida golf coast. At the time of this writing, Renyk has begun work on a St. Armands Circle residence to call his weekend retreat.

Jerry Springer

Love it or hate it, few shows have had a bigger impact on daytime television than the Jerry Springer show. Springer as a lived in Sarasota for the better part of two decades and is a resident of Bird Key.

Joe Perry

The poetry of this Aerosmith guitarist and songwriter is electric, to say the least. Walk This Way, Dude, and Crazy are just a few of Joe Perry’s most iconic tracks. And while this rock-and-roller travels frequently between the East and West coast, he often finds time to call Lido Key his home.

Stephen King

What’s to say about this master of chilling storytelling? Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors of our time, with many books be adapted for the big screen. The Shining, Stand By Me, It, and most recently the HBO series The Outsider. Stephen King’s accomplishments are far too numerous to list here, and as a blogger with dreams of someday publishing, I am personally proud to know I share the same city as such a remarkable writer.

Brian Johnson

Rockers love Sarasota, and our city loves them in return. In 1980, Brian Johnson became the third lead singer for the band AC/DC. And while 2020 was a challenging time for most, Johnson and AC/DC seized the opportunity to begin laying the groundwork for their newest album, Power Up.

Mick Jagger and girlfriend Melanie Hamrick

Speaking of rockers, it doesn’t get more iconic Mick Jagger. In 2020, the legendary Rolling Stones front man purchased a four-bedroom estate in The Lake Club, a gated community in Lakewood Ranch.