LIDO PROMENADE The Lido Casino Sarasota, Florida circa 1952

“When I was a young man in the early 1950s, the beach was Sarasota’s main attraction, and there was no better place to enjoy it than the Lido Casino. I loved to sit in the sun and become immersed in the euphoria of total relaxation. When I look at this painting, I can subconsciously feel the noonday sun… hear the sounds of the seagulls and the surf… and watch the people just drift by.”

“The Lido Casino was a fabulous facility. It had a swimming pool and beach cabanas, shops, restaurants, and a grand ballroom, where I danced many a night away to the tunes of Rudy Bundy’s Big Band!”

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Historical Notes

The idea for the Lido Casino was conceived in 1936 by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce “Committee to Create Summer Business.” It was designed in the Art-Deco style by Sarasota architect, Ralph Twitchell. The Lido Casino first opened to the public in 1940.

Throughout the 40s and early 1950s, the Lido Casino was the place to enjoy the beach in Sarasota. Toward the end of the 50s, mismanagement and a lack of upkeep led to the deterioration of the facility. Finally, in 1969, the Lido Casino was demolished. The pool is the only thing that survived into the 21st century.