Throwback Thursday photos: Sarasota's Centennial Park, then and now

This aerial photo from 1960, looking to the west, shows the Florida Power and Light steam turbine generating plant at Payne Terminal at N. Tamiami Trail and 10th Street on Sarasota Bay. FPL opened the plant in 1946 and it provided electricity to residents in the area until it was decommissioned in 1965. Today, the site is home to the Centennial Park boat ramps. Hog Creek still flows into the bay along the north side of the property. William Whitaker settled in Sarasota during the 1840s. He and his family fished, farmed and raised cattle. Their hogs roamed along the stream that became known as Hog Creek. Use the magic slider below to see how much things have changed.

Check out all of our magic slider photos here.

Check out all of our magic slider photos here.