Casey Key
Why is this magical place called Casey Key? Well, it started 150 years ago when the island was known as "Chaise's Key." In 1849, U.S. Army Captain John Charles Casey came to the Florida Gulf Coast. He was assigned to remove the Seminole Indians from the area. During Casey's years in the area he assisted in the original coast survey for the U.S. government. This resulted in his name first appearing on the map, attached to the inlet just south of the island, now known as the Venice Inlet. It was then known as Casey's Pass. In 1856, the map of Florida was revised, changing Chaise's Key to Casey Key. As for Casey, he was able to restore the faith of the Seminole Indian leaders, and quiet the frontier uprisings that had plagued the area for many years. In the 1920's, an enterprising real estate developer successfully changed the name to "Treasure Island" during the Florida land boom. He thought it would help sell lots, and there were rumors associated with the name change concerning actual treasure found at the northern end of the key. After the land boom went bust, the name reverted back to Casey Key. Incidentally, the maps of the day showed only Manatee County. Sarasota County was formed from a section of Manatee County on May 14, 1921.
The sole commercialism consists of a few older beach motels that are "grand fathered" under prior zoning. There are no hi-rises or traffic jams. Amazingly, the key will remain this way due to current zoning restrictions, and the fact that the majority of the island is a conservation district, established in the early 1970's by the Florida State Legislature. There are two bridges providing access to the key, including an old "swing bridge" dating back to the 1920's. A majority of the island is less than 300 yards wide, with the beaches along the Gulf on the west and Little Sarasota Bay on the east. At the south end is the Venice Inlet, providing ready access to the Gulf. Ground elevations on Casey Key are generally favorable (i.e. higher) than most barrier islands, which is highly beneficial to its homeowners.
Casey Key residents get to enjoy the beaches and boating opportunities, as well as the unsurpassed sunset views over the Gulf. Living on the key provides an island atmosphere and lifestyle, yet the amenities we all enjoy like major grocery stores, drug stores, and department stores are just minutes away. In addition, top restaurants, golfing and tennis are nearby. Add to all this the many cultural and sports activities available in Sarasota, often called the "cultural capital" of Florida, and you can easily see why this is a such a great place to live.
Casey Key Real Estate -
Single Family Homes & Estates |
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Land Area: Casey Key is approximately 8 miles in length, stretching from Siesta Key on the north to the Island of Venice at the southern tip
Population: Less than 400 residences in Casey Key
General Characteristics: Variations of each lifestyle come in different price ranges from $100,000 to multi-million dollar estates.
Location: Casey Key is a unique barrier island on the West Coast of Florida, only 15 miles south of Sarasota. Unlike so many of the islands that line the Gulf of Mexico coast, Casey Key consists almost entirely of single-family homes. There are less than 400 residences on the key, and the owners are a combination of full-time, seasonal and vacationing families.
Nearby Access Routes: There are two bridges providing access to the key, including an old "swing bridge" dating back to the 1920's
Education: Sarasota County Public Schools
Board of Education; Sarasota County Public Schools, 1960 Landings Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida, 34231, (941) 927-9000
Recreation: Just north of Venice lies Casey Key, an island with gently sloping sands. This geographic feature contributes to the areas excellent fishing, as well as its reputation as one of the best surfing beaches in this part of Florida. Nokomis Beach on the south end covers 20-acres of prime fishing area, and it offers a boat ramp to get you out in the middle of the action. Shore-side activities on Casey Key include volleyball, picnicking and simply soaking up the sun and scenery
For the most part, there are 3 types of Casey Key properties:
1. Gulf Front Properties - Directly on the beach & the Gulf of Mexico
2. Bay Front Properties - On Sarasota Bay. Typically the type of property where you can park your boat in your back yard.
3. Gulf to Bay Estates - The property runs from the gulf to the bay. The best of both worlds.
Casey Key Properties -
Recent Sales from the MLS
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Average pricing for Casey Key homes SOLD were from the Sarasota MLS as of January 2006 were from one million up to $9,000,000. Current active
homes range from $500,000 to over $ 18,500,000.
To search the current homes for sale, go to the Sarasota MLS on my home page and search area 101.
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