Three Ringling Circus: A History of Sarasota, Florida, and the Famous Ringling Brothers

Sarasota would not be what it is today without the influence of the Ringling family, particularly John and Mable Ringling and John’s brother Charles. Unlike some other entertainers of the era, the Ringling family saw their enterprise as a business and as a way of entertaining the masses through good, clean fun. Three Ringling Circus will focus on the history of this family and will bring to life (and light) their past and present impact on Sarasota’s unique artistic, historical and cultural scene, a rarity in Florida, where much of the economy is driven by tourism and the retirement industry.

Sandra Gurvis (www.sandragurvis.com) is the author of seventeen books and hundreds of magazine articles. Her titles include Day Trips From Columbus, 3rd ed.; Ohio Curiosities, 2nd ed.; Careers For Nonconformists, which was a selection of the Quality Paperback Book Club; America’s Strangest Museums, 2nd ed.; Ohio Myths and Legends (Globe Pequot). and more. Her newest nonfiction title is 111 Places In Columbus That You Must Not Miss (Emons, 2019) Other bylines and credits include People, YM, Entertainment Weekly, Fiction Writer, Woman’s World, Parenting, The World and I, Coast to Coast, USA Weekend, Chicago Tribune, as well as travel articles, promotional materials and advertorials. She lectures frequently on writing, the ’60s and her books. Although she lived in Columbus, Ohio, for over four decades, she recently relocated to Sarasota/Bradenton.