Frank Taylor founded Taylor Woodrow at the age of 16. He began a housing business in Blackpool, England when a local banker agreed to lend him £400 pounds. This, along with some family capital, Taylor began his career by building a house for his family. The banker required an adult to be a part of the enterprise, so his uncle Jack Woodrow was added. The company became known as Taylor Woodrow.
Frank Taylor, Baron Taylor of Hadfield—Born in Hadfield, near Glossop in Derbyshire, England. By age 11, he was operating his father’s fruit business. The family moved to Blackpool.
Origin of the Name “Sarasota.”
Legend connects it with Sara, reputedly the daughter of the conquistador, DeSoto. Others have theorized the name may have originated with an Indian word, “sara-se-cota,” meaning a landfall easily observed. Maps in the 1700’s showed the area as “Porte Sarasote” and “Sarazota”. It is also said a fishing camp and Indian trading post at the end of Longboat Key was called “Saraxota.”
Sarasota was incorporated as a town on October 14, 1902. To discover more about Sarasota History visit the History & Preservation Coalition of Sarsasota County.