A lifestyle like no other! From the moment you cross over one of the two draw bridges and onto the island of Siesta Key, the relaxed pace and lush surroundings invite visitors and residents to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
World renowned Siesta Key Beach is famous for its beautiful white quartz crystal sands which stays cool, even in the hottest weather, providing a comfortable surface for beach goers year round. Consistently voted as one of the top beaches in the country, the powdery white sand plays against the clear turquoise waters to offer a beach experience that isn’t quickly forgotten. The 8 mile long, crescent-shaped island is home to three beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. While each has its own personality, they all share the incredible views and spectacular sunsets.
Siesta Key always has something going on and residents take full advantage of the great weather and beautiful water to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and water sports from sunrise to unsurpassable sunset. From jet skis and parasailing to kayaking and paddle boarding, the sun drenched entertainment of Siesta Key draws visitors from around the globe.
Siesta Key Village
With its Island vibe and vibrant night life, is located on the north end and offers Morton’s Gourmet Market, eclectic boutiques and a plethora of both inside and outside dining options, a pharmacy, post office, Doctors and Dentists, Salons, Spas, every amenity and need can be met. In fact, as locals, we brag, once you’re here on the island you never need to leave. Also, because it is actually a village set-up, you don’t need a car, everything is conveniently located in a few city blocks of Siesta Key Village. If it’s full time living, a resort or a snowbird lifestyle, Siesta Key offers many choices for Buyers interested in calling this island paradise home. Here you will find everything from luxurious Seaside Estates, Canal Front Homes, Condos, Villas and townhomes overlooking the glistening sand and glittering Gulf of Mexico.
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach is named for its sea turtle nests and is located on the southern tip of Siesta Key. Turtle Beach has the feel of old-time Florida with graceful buildings and a relaxed lifestyle. The lushly landscaped streets welcome residents and the location is popular with full-time residents and snow birds alike. Not to be mistaken for the world famous Siesta Key Beach and Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach boasts a dark, more course sand – sometimes referred to as Quick Sand. It’s deep waters almost directly off the shore is ideal for water sports – but not great for swimming or just relaxing in the water, This beach attracts more locals – where Siesta Key and Crescent Beach attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and tourists per year.
History of Siesta Key
Homesteaders began settling on “Sarasota Key” (now Siesta Key) in the 1880’s, but few remained long enough to establish their claims. An exception was Capt. Louis Roberts and his wife, Ocean Hansen Roberts, for whom Ocean Boulevard, Roberts Road and Hansen Bayou are named. In 1906, Capt. Roberts enlarged his house and began calling it the Roberts Hotel. The following year he, along with Harry Higel and E.M. Arbogast, formed the Siesta Land Company. By 1946, the Key was still labeled “Sarasota Key” on government maps, but was called Siesta Key by the County.
In late 1910, E.M. Arbogast began construction of the Bay Island Hotel on the north shore of the Key. Meanwhile, Harry Higel’s dredge was busy not only digging the canals and filling low land, but also excavating shell deposits that could be used to surface the roads as they were built.
The canal that leads from Hansen Bayou westward to the recently closed Siesta Fish Market was dug for its shell deposits.
Harry Higel was mayor of Sarasota in 1916 and supported a bond issue that was passed and resulted in the building of the first Siesta Key Bridge in 1917. The second bridge on Stickney Point Road was built by the County in 1926. They platted the subdivision of Siesta on the northern end of the Key.
Real Estate on Siesta Key
Considered one of the most prestigious areas along the Gulf Coast, Real Estate on Siesta Key continues to be in extordinarily high demand with prices that reflect that desire and demand to live here. With just at 3,200 Single Family Homes on the Island, approximately 1,600 of those are waterfront – either beach, bay or canal. Considering the full time population, as of the latest census data in 2010 was 6,565 – it’s easy to understand the pricing – and appreciate there is a cost to island living. Many only dream of ever living on an island, and for those of us who have the great fortune of realizing that dream – we appreciate and are grateful for it everyday! The people here are friendly, everyone says hello, we look out for our neighbors – and lend a helping hand whenever and wherever we can. There’s a true sense of community, and residents never take for granted the natural beauty of Siesta Key with world class awe inspiring beaches as our playground – yes, life here is good!
Amy is a long time resident of Siesta Key – she lives on the Water, has a boat in her back yard, and enjoys a very short 2 minute commute to her office in the heart of Siesta Key Village. Many look to Amy as the preeminent Siesta Key Real Estate expert, she absolutely loves living on Siesta – she and her team are happy to help anyone with their real estate needs – buying or selling; just look for the Pink Signs – they’re easy to spot!
World Famous Siesta Key Beach sand is comprised of 99% Quartz crystals crushed into a pure white fine powder. Because quartz is a crystal it actually disperses the heat from the sun and leaves Siesta Key beaches cool to the touch.
Flamingos get their pink and orange hues from their diet of carotene-containing food, such as shrimp or algae. In a zoo setting, flamingos will turn white unless they are given substitutes such as carrots, beets, red peppers, or an additive called canthaxanthin. Flamingos eat by turning their beaks upside down in the water and using them as filters.
