South Gate

C Fi 9951

Rolland King, who passed away on November 3, 2019, he contributed a lot to the history of our beautiful city of Sarasota and was an incredible man. In the mid-1950s, Rolland King and Frank Smith (business partner) purchased 1240 acres of citrus groves in the South Gate area and began the development for this community. From 1955-1956 the first model homes opened and the South Gate Community Association was established. They came up with a slogan for the new development: “Where you live among the Orange Blossoms. ” Then in 1957, they had a grand opening for the South Gate Shopping Plaza which consisted of 23 stores. This is a painting of the original South Gate Shopping Plaza sign, established in 1957.

About the Artist:

Karla King, a true local, was born and raised here in Sarasota. She grew up loving the beach and being near the water. Karla worked in banking for the past 7 years but due to COVID-19, she lost her job in September 2020. She is a single mother and now a full-time college student pursuing her Master's Degree in Social Work. She considers herself to be a professional at overcoming life's obstacles and believes positive things come from the most difficult times we endure. Since losing her job last year, she has discovered new passions, purpose, and a true love for the creative arts. Karla's Grandad, Rolland King, inspired her to get involved with the Avenue of Art project.

For more information on South Gate click HERE.

Artist

Karla head

Karla King

Karla King, a true local, was born and raised here in Sarasota. She grew up loving the beach and being near the water. Karla worked in banking for the past 7 years but due to COVID-19, she lost her job in September 2020. She is a single mother and now a full-time college student pursuing her Master's Degree in Social Work. She considers herself to be a professional at overcoming life's obstacles and believes positive things come from the most difficult times we endure. Since losing her job last year, she has discovered new passions, purpose, and a true love for the creative arts. My Grandad, Rolland King, inspired me to get involved with the Avenue of Art project. Rolland passed away on November 3, 2019, he contributed a lot to the history of our beautiful city of Sarasota and was an incredible man. In the mid-1950s, Rolland King and Frank Smith (business partner) purchased 1240 acres of citrus groves in the South Gate area and began the development for this community. From 1955-1956 the first model homes opened and the South Gate Community Association was established. They came up with a slogan for the new development: “Where you live among the Orange Blossoms. ” Then in 1957, they had a grand opening for the South Gate Shopping Plaza which consisted of 23 stores. I decided to paint the original South Gate Shopping Plaza sign, established in 1957.