Found: Google says Sarasota is best in Florida

SARASOTA — Google named Sarasota a 2014 eCity for Florida, part of an awards program the search engine firm says it uses to recognize the strongest online business communities in states nationwide.

Google, according to a release, says business in its eCity communities embrace the web to find new customers, connect with existing clients and fuel local economies. “Sarasota serves as a prime example of how innovation and growth in e-commerce can successfully contribute to bolstering economic progress and competitiveness,” Google representative Emma Ogiemwanye says in the statement. “Google is proud to recognize Sarasota's accomplishment, and the role it plays in creating Florida jobs.”

Google and an independent research firm analyzed the online strength of local small businesses through a variety of factors to find the top cities. Those factors include the likelihood of small businesses to have a website; use a blog; promote on a social network; sell goods directly from webpages; and a mobile-friendly website. This is the second year Google has announced a list of eCities for the United States.

Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin calls the award a great foundation to build on. “Google algorithms have proven what many of us have suspected,” Barwin says in the statement. “Sarasota is open for digital, high tech oriented folks who enjoy cultural amenities and the world's greatest sunsets.”