The summer of 2011 was good to Sarasota County. In fact, local officials say it was the best summer season ever, thanks in large part to Siesta Key’s late May designation as the best beach in the nation. Taxes paid by tourists were up 17-percent from last year in both June and July and up 31-percent in August. July and August were both record-breaking months. During the summer, bed taxes and others primarily paid by tourists brought in more than $2-million.
