flood plain information south creek, north creek, catfish - Sarasota ...

BACKGROUNDINFORMATIONSETILEMENTFlorida was first discovered by Ponce de Leon on EasterDay in 1512. Twenty-seven years later De Soto landed on the westcoast of the peninsula in the vicinity of what is now Sarasota.From that date unti I the middle of the nineteenth century explorersendeavored to colonize the state. Their efforts were opposed bythe Indians, mainly the Seminoles. Florida was purchased from Spainin 1821 and the Seminole War ended shortly thereafter. SarasotaCounty was formed from a section of Manatee County in 1921 and derivedits name from an old Indian legend which referred to a prominent part of the county's shore line known as "The Po int of Rocks."Through the years Sarasota County has grown steadi Iy.Tourism is the backbone of the county's economy. AI I types ofrecreational rental accommodations have been constructed alongU. S. Highway 41, many of which cater to tourists who enjoy watersports. Many retired persons, attracted to the area by the delightfulyear-round cl imate and the beautiful waterfront scenery,have become permanent residents. Because of man's desire to benear the water, development in the county is taking place in theflood plain.THESTUDY AREASarasota County is located on the west coast of Floridanear the middle of the peninsula and just south of Tampa Bay. Thisreport covers six relatively sma I I streams; known as South Creek,