Homes on the Keys Here are just a few of the more popular keys on our coastline. These islands separating Sarasota Bay from the gulf near the city, known as keys, include Lido Key and Siesta Key, which are famous worldwide for the quality of their sandy beaches. Today the keys that are included in the boundary of Sarasota are Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Otter Key, Coon Key, Bird Key, and portions of Longboat Key and Siesta Key. Previously, Siesta Key was named Sarasota Key. Anna Maria Island
The island consists of the village of Anna Maria on the north end, Bradenton Beach to the South and Holmes Beach in the center. Just 7 miles long with peaceful white sandy beaches, 80º sea temperatures, boating, fishing, all types of water sports, shelling, shopping, tennis, nearby golf courses and great restaurants. Just 1 hour from the attractions of Tampa and 2 hours from Orlando. Enjoy an active vacation, or just kick off your shoes, get your feet in the sand, lay back and relax in the sunshine. Bird Key
Bird Key is an upscale neighborhood with 511 home sites and an active Homeowner's Association. Many of the original homes that were built during the 1950's have been replaced with elegant estate homes. Security patrols during the day and the gate is guarded at night. The natural beauty of Bird Key, the sparkling bay views and the casual Florida lifestyle of a Bird Key are exceptional. Original plans called for Bird Key to allow for 511 lots, 291 water-fronts and 220 off-water sites. Today it is home to some of Sarasota's finest properties. Casey Key
Casey Key’s Nokomis Beach, located to the island’s south end, covers 20 acres of prime fishing area and features a public boat ramp. Often called the “fishermen’s paradise,” Casey Key is a popular destination for sportsmen and the like. Other activities enjoyed include water sports, picnicking, volleyball, or simply strolling along the gorgeous beaches, gazing at the radiant Florida sunset. Lido Key/St. Armands Key
John and Mabel Ringling arrived in Sarasota in the 1920's and Lido Key was very interesting to John. He purchased Lido, Bird, St. Armands and a great deal of Longboat Key and built bridges to connect them. He started a Ritz Carlton on Longboat Key and made Sarasota the winter home of the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus. John Ringling had a vision for St. Armands to be an international shopping destination and started creating this on St Armands Circle. Bird Key came with an existing mansion that he hoped would serve as the winter White House for President Warren G. Harding. He believed this would help advertise his development, Ringling Isles, and boost sales there. Ringling named the streets on adjoining Lido Key in honor of American presidents. Today it is still the most popular place for dinner and a walk afterwards window-shopping and eating ice cream. Longboat Key
The population of Longboat Key is approximately 8,380 and grows to over 20,000 during the winter months. Gulf of Mexico Drive is the main street that runs the length of the island, past golf courses, condominiums and beautiful neighborhoods, both gated and non-gated. Gulf of Mexico Drive is the major road that runs north and south on Longboat Key, Florida. It offers views of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east. Siesta Key
Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota County is the #2 best beach in America. As “Dr. Beach,” Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Siesta Beach stretches from a site named Point of Rocks, just below the middle point of Siesta Key, north to the Siesta Village region. It might be considered Siesta Key’s premier claim to fame. Siesta Key's Siesta Beach has accumulated numerous awards in recognition of its soft, clean, pure-white sand. Consistently, it is rated among the top ten beaches of Florida, the U.S., and the world. Harvard University's geology department found the sand of Siesta Beach was 99% pure quartz. Unlike most beaches that are composed of crushed shells, rocks or lava, this sand is pure white and finer in texture than most refined sugar. The sand has been described as "dazzling" and it is stated that it never feels hot. Siesta Key's remarkable sand and the azure, warm water of its beaches are a great attraction for tourists and local beachgoers alike who come to experience the sand and the water. Siesta Beach is one of the largest beaches in the area, but its 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land might not have become the wide and deep expanse of public-accessible beachfront they are today. Manasota Key
The island of Manasota Key is actually a continuation of Venice Beach to the north, but the only way to get from one to the other without leaving the island is by foot. Although two communities lie on way-off-the-beaten-path Manasota Key, the quieter, more exclusive community to the north is more commonly known as Manasota Key, while the resortier one to the south is called Englewood Beach. In north Manasota Key, homes – mostly palatial – greatly outnumber resorts and other commercial enterprises. The entire community is a designated wildlife sanctuary. Its beaches are maintained in a more natural, less developed manner than those in Englewood Beach, a mecca for youthful and cost-conscious vacationers and day-trippers. |
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