Longboat Key, FL

Longboat Key is a barrier island located on the west coast of Florida, between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. The history of Longboat Key is rich and dates back several centuries.

The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans, specifically the Tocobaga tribe, who relied on the abundant resources of the land and sea. They lived a semi-nomadic life, practicing agriculture, fishing, and trading with neighboring tribes.

European explorers first arrived in the area in the 16th century. Spanish explorers and conquistadors, such as Juan Ponce de León and Hernando de Soto, explored the Florida Gulf Coast, including Longboat Key. However, European settlement did not occur until much later.

During the early 1800s, Florida was under Spanish, British, and then American control. The United States purchased Florida from Spain in 1819 with the Adams-Onís Treaty. Longboat Key became a part of Manatee County when the county was established in 1855.

Longboat Key remained largely uninhabited and undeveloped until the 20th century. In the 1920s, the island saw its first significant development when John Ringling, the circus magnate and real estate developer, purchased properties on the island. He envisioned it as an exclusive resort community and began constructing several luxurious properties. However, the Great Depression halted his plans, and most of his projects never reached completion.

After World War II, the development of Longboat Key gained momentum. The Longboat Key Club was established in the 1950s, attracting more tourists and residents to the island. The 1960s and 1970s were marked by further development, with residential communities, hotels, and resorts being built. In 1955, Longboat Key was officially incorporated as its own town.

Today, Longboat Key is a popular vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and golf courses. It remains a primarily residential community with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The island is known for its strict zoning regulations, which aim to preserve its natural beauty and limit high-rise development.

Overall, the history of Longboat Key reflects its gradual transformation from a sparsely inhabited barrier island to a thriving tourist destination and residential community.

1. Longboat Key Beach- A beautiful beach with pristine white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
2. Joan M. Durante Park- A waterfront park with walking trails, mangroves, and picnic areas, offering stunning views of Sarasota Bay and opportunities for nature observation.
3. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium- A renowned marine research facility and public aquarium that showcases a wide variety of marine life and offers educational and interactive exhibits.
4. Beer Can Island- A hidden gem located at the northern tip of Longboat Key, this natural spit of land offers secluded beaches, nature trails, and stunning sunset views.
5. The Ringling- Located in nearby Sarasota, this art museum and cultural center boasts a vast collection of European paintings, intricate decorative arts, and the stunning Ringling mansion and gardens.
6. St. Armands Circle- Situated just off Longboat Key on Lido Key, this shopping and dining district is known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. It is the perfect place to shop, dine, and people-watch.
7. Kayaking and Paddleboarding- Longboat Key offers ample opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding along its calm waters, allowing visitors to explore the coastline, mangroves, and wildlife-rich areas.
8. Golfing- Longboat Key is home to several championship golf courses, including the Longboat Key Club & Resort's Harbourside Golf Course and Islandside Golf Course, where visitors can enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
9. Fishing- Longboat Key offers great fishing opportunities, with both offshore and inshore options. Visitors can go deep-sea fishing for grouper, snapper, and other game fish or fish the inland waters for redfish, snook, and trout.
10. Gulf Coast beaches- Longboat Key's location on Florida's Gulf Coast allows easy access to other nearby beaches like Siesta Key Beach, Anna Maria Island, and Lido Key Beach, where visitors can enjoy more stunning natural beauty and recreational activities.

Longboat Key, FL has a tropical climate, characterized by warm and humid weather throughout the year. Summers are hot and typically last from June to September, with average high temperatures reaching the low 90s °F (32-34 °C). Humidity levels are high, and there is a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, often accompanied by a cooling sea breeze.

Winters in Longboat Key are mild and much more comfortable, lasting from December to February. Average high temperatures during this time range from the mid-60s to low 70s °F (18-23 °C), and lows rarely dip below 50s °F (10-15 °C). It is a popular time for tourists and allows for pleasant outdoor activities.

Spring and fall in Longboat Key transition between the hotter and cooler months. Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures gradually rising, with highs ranging from the upper 70s to mid-80s °F (25-30 °C). In the fall, from October to November, temperatures start to cool down, with highs ranging from the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25-28 °C).

Longboat Key experiences abundant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of around 240 sunny days annually. Additionally, being located along the Gulf Coast, the area is prone to occasional tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June to November.

Overall, Longboat Key's climate offers warm temperatures and ample sunshine most of the year, making it an attractive destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Longboat Key is a barrier island located on the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. While the island is relatively small, covering a total area of about 11 square miles, it is divided into several distinct neighborhoods. Here are some of the main neighborhoods of Longboat Key:

Bay Isles

Situated on the southern end of the island, Bay Isles is an upscale gated community featuring a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and villas. It offers access to a private beach club, golf and tennis facilities, as well as a marina.

Longboat Key Club

This exclusive neighborhood is home to the Longboat Key Club, a renowned resort and private country club. It encompasses several residential communities, such as L'Ambiance, The Pierre, and Sanctuary, each offering luxurious waterfront residences and top-notch amenities.

Country Club Shores

Located on the southern part of the island, Country Club Shores is a waterfront community known for its canal-front properties. Many of the houses here have private docks and direct access to Sarasota Bay.

Sleepy Lagoon

As the name suggests, Sleepy Lagoon is a serene neighborhood nestled on the bay side of the island. It offers a mix of single-family homes and canal-front properties, ideal for boating enthusiasts.

Emerald Harbor

Situated on the northern end of Longboat Key, Emerald Harbor is a waterfront community with deep-water canals that provide boating access to Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. The neighborhood is known for its tropical landscaping and secluded atmosphere.

Longbeach Village

Located on the northern tip of the island, Longbeach Village offers a more laid-back and casual atmosphere compared to the other affluent neighborhoods. It features a mix of older homes and newer constructions, creating a unique blend of styles.

Conrad Beach

This beachfront community is characterized by its charming and colorful architecture. Conrad Beach offers a community pool, boardwalks to the beach, and a peaceful environment.

Each Longboat Key neighborhood has its own distinct character and amenities, but they all share one common feature – access to the stunning beaches and scenic landscapes that make this barrier island a sought-after place to live or visit.