| Casey Key, Florida | ||||
Casey Key, a small barrier island, is a quiet secluded paradise, located just south of Sarasota, FL on the Gulf of Mexico. The island is approximately 8 miles in length, stretching from Siesta Key on the north to the island of Venice at the southern tip. There are two bridges providing access to the key, including a one lane "pivot" bridge or "swingbridge" dating back to the 1920's and a drawbridge. |
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Casey Key was called Chaises Key until 1856. A Captain in the US army named John Charles Casey that came to the gulf coast of Florida helped map the area and was assigned to the job of moving the Seminole Indians that were left in 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 Casey's Pass. In 1856, the map of Florida was revised, changing Chaise's Key to Casey Key. During the 1920's, rumors began on the island that there was treasure in the north end because a real estate developer came along trying to change the name to Treasure Island. The name did not stick and residents reverted back to the original Casey Key, which still remained.
With its gently sloping sands, this island's geographic features contribute to the area's excellent fishing, as well as its repuation as one of the best surfing beaches in this part of Florida. The intercoastal waterway is litterly your backyard, with bayside deep water boatdocks that allow easy access to the gulf. Nokomis Beach on the south end covers 20 acres of prime fishing area and it offers a public boat ramp to get you out in the middle of the action. Shoreside activities on Casey Key include volleyball, pickniking, and simply soaking up the sun and scenery. |
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Weaving along the narrow, winding Casey Key Road, one quickly realizes this is a truly special and magnificent place. Here you can enjoy an unspoiled tropical key with its white sandy, uncrowded beaches and picture perfect sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Casey Key is unparralel in its beauty and private beaches. The refreshingly natural beaches of Casey Key are protected with wild sea outs and mangroves providing a habitat for scores of native birds and sea turtles. There are also dolphins, manatees, and other aquatic wildlife living just off shore. Casey Key offers a beautiful place to enjoy an afternoon relaxing on or near the beach, boating or fishing, and taking in the view, especially the sunset while walking along Casey Key Road. |
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By no means is there much that would categorize Casey Key as a tourist area, as the zoning restrictions set do not allow for major hi-rise hotels or commercial activity on the island. The majority of the island is a conservation district established in the early 1970s by the Florida State Legislature. The island is less than 300 miles 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. The best part about the drive or bike ride through Casey Key is that you are completely surrounded by water. Small hotels, apartments, and family vacation homes line both sides of the street.
The city of Nokomis, FL is famous for Casey Key, a barrier island split with the city of Osprey, FL, created by the intercoastal waterway, where there are beachfront houses worth millions of dollars lining the key. You will find a wide variety of residents and homes on this small barrier island but all enjoy the same peaceful serenity of the island while also appreciating all the ammennities of Sarasota and nearby Venice. Casey Key residents and visitors enjoy a host of ammenities we all enjoy like grocery stores, drugstores, department stores, and restaurants which are all just minutes away. One of the more famous residents is Stephen King, who resides on Casey Key during the winter months. Add to all of this, the many cultural and sports activities in Sarasota, often called the "Cultural Capital" of Florida, and you can easily see why this is such a great place to visit or live.
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