Visas
For those traveling internationally, please see our official Letter of Invitation to the Pan Am Championship. The letters of invitation were sent out on June 1, 2012 to each UANA Federation. Participants may ask their Federations for a copy of this invitation letter if needed in the application process to obtain a travel visa to the United States. The U.S. Department of State has all the information about the Pan American Masters Championship on their web site in order to facilitate the visa process. If you need additional assistance or information in order to obtain your travel visa, you may contact Ms. Linda Gould, lgould@panamericanmasters2013.org. Linda can help you in English or Spanish.
Time Zone
Sarasota, Florida, is in the Eastern time zone, Daylight Savings Time. (EDT)
Air Travel
Sarasota is served by several airports:
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
- St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (PIE) – about 45 minutes north.
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) – about an hour north.
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – Fort Myers – about 1.5 hours south.
- Orlando (MCO): 120 miles
- Miami (MIA): 230 miles
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 220 miles
Lodging
Our hotel and condominium reservation system is ready to help you find the perfect place to stay.
Ground Transportation
Car rentals are available online from any airport at preferred pricing from:
Airport Shuttles: SRQ Services
- reservations@srqservices.com
- (941) 925 7733
Currency
The local currency is the U.S. Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, including VISA and MasterCard. Cash machines are available at many locations throughout Sarasota.
Taxes
Goods and services in Florida are subject to a 7 percent sales tax. Tax is not included in the price of the merchandise; it is added during the payment transaction.
Tipping
It is customary to tip 15–20% of the pre-tax amount of the total bill in restaurants. Some restaurants include an 18% gratuity on larger parties.
What to Wear
Casual dress is acceptable almost everywhere. Temperatures in Sarasota will range from daytime highs in the low 90s (32 C) to nighttime lows in the 70s (21 C). The climate is humid and rain showers are common in June.
Medical and Emergency Services
Emergency medical assistance, including ambulance transportation to a local hospital, will be available at all competitions sites, for the entire event.
Electricity
Electricity in the United States is 120 volts, 60 Hertz.
