Historical Whitfield Estates – “The Jewel of Florida’s West Coast”

One of the most highly regarded development ventures of the 1920s, Whitfield Estates’ reputation as a “Dream City” remains a reality in present day standards.

The area was named for its principal backer – one of the souths’ wealthiest and most prominent citizens, Louis Broughton Whitfield.

L. B. Whitfield, E.S. Delaplane, Edgar Price and D. Greenwood Haley shared a vision to establish a neighborhood unlike any other in existence within Sarasota and Manatee Counties. In the summer of 1924, most of the land that was collected for their dream was directly tied to two of the original Ringling Circus brothers. The most significant property was a 217-acre bay front estate, once owned by the late Alfred Ringling.

Prices ranged from $3,000 to $7,000 for choice waterfront lots and required each residence to exceed a cost of $7,500 and be reviewed by an architectural committee.

Donald Ross, internationally acclaimed golf course architect, along with legendary golfer Bobby Jones had selected a 150-acre area to develop as the golf course. On December 12, 1925, the golf course opened for play, with greens fees of only $2 per day. Annual dues to this posh course were a mere $100 per year.

After it’s formal opening on January 22 nd and 23 rd, 1926, the course was declared as one of the finest in the state and in the top five of the country. Legendary and world-champion golfers were a part of the spotlight as the new course made headlines in the sports sections of news publications throughout the country.

With momentum moving forward, a contract to dredge “Bowlees” Creek was put in action in the spring of 1926. The creation of the yacht basin and the construction of a 300-foot long dock were put in the plan to help accommodate the delivery of building materials by water transport.

By early summer, 62 homes, an apartment building and a 2-story storefront were completed or under construction.

With promises of a great future ahead, Whitfield Estates was declared as a town and elected its own mayor, councilmen, clerk, and fire chief. Later in the summer of 1926, the Whitfield Country Club announced the opening of their grand swimming pool.

When the real estate homesites were sold out, the club changed its name to Sara Bay Country Club, and became an independent private club. After a round on the course, a sports writer said that "Sara Bay CC exudes a restrained elegance that can only come with time and tradition. The course offers what golf was meant to be…exciting, fun and challenging…a test for every club in your bag". Why not live the legend yourself, and call this classic golf experience your home.