Florida residents only... which Sarasota/Manatee county towns are best?

I am currently looking to buy a house close to Sarasota, where my daughter goes to school and will shortly be going to college - so under an hour's drive, the closer the better. But I keep hearing horror stories about the crime in Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Pete etc. - and everyone I ask has a different opinion on what's safer. I am a single mother with a teenage daughter and I will not be able to buy a house in any kind of ritzy, extremely safe neighborhood so please - if you live, or have lived, in the Sarasota County area, your advice is much appreciated.