Can anybody recommend good reasonable lodging in the Sarasota area in January. I would like something within a couple of miles of the beach.

I was there last March and stayed at the Sleep Inn, which is near the Ringling Museum and close to the beach. Unfortunately it was far too cold to worry about going in the water.
Anyway, when I was there, there were many, many hotels along the beach that had vacancies. Some looked like fleabags, some didn't, so it's really your preference.
When I go this year, (spring training) I'm not even making reservations. I'll just find a place and stay there.
You might also look into Siesta Key, which is a little island just off the coast. It's extremely nice. If you're going for the beach, that's the place to be. If you have business in Sarasota, you can still be in the CBD in five minutes or so.

What about Long Boat Key. It is near Sarasota and also near the Ringling Museum. Very pretty beaches. We stayed at the Sun n' Sea Cottages. The cottages are either on the beach or just off it. They are well maintained and clean.
Address: 4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive,
Longboat Key, FL 34228
Phone: 941-383-5588
http://www.sunnsea.com/

Check into Sea Place. It's a very well kept "mom and pop" type of motel on Longboat. It's right on the beach and lower end cost. It's so small I doubt that they have a website. The number is 941-383-2431.

We have stayed at the Half-Moon Beach Club on Lido Key (just across the water-way from Sarasota). It is clean and comfortable and right on the beach. We spent time on the beach there and also drove to Siesta Key, which has a beautiful beach. (Let's just say that we loved the beach on Lido Key until we went to Siesta Key!!)

There is a Best Western on Siesta Key within walking distance of the beach and the village, with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. I've never stayed there, but probably would if I didn't want a condo with kitchen.