Bird Key

Bird Key is one of Sarasota’s most desirable addresses. This small 250-acre island is situated between downtown Sarasota, St. Armands and Lido Key. The location is truly five minutes away from many of Sarasota’s most beloved attractions, fine dining, boutiques, and beaches.

Circus impresario and Sarasota developer John Ringling purchased Bird Key in the Florida land boom in the early 1920s. Alongside St. Armands and Lido keys, he had extravagant plans for developing this island. In fact, the first bridge built to connect these islands with the mainland was developed by Ringling and while it has been rebuilt a number of times over the decades, it is still called the John Ringling Causeway (or as locals refer to it, the Ringling Bridge). Despite Ringling’s initial vision, Bird Key was not developed significantly until after 1959 when it was purchased by the Arvida Corporation. The development group pulled out all the stops in making this a luxurious residential getaway. In fact, Realtors were offered brand new Cadillacs as commissions in these early selling days.

Today, Bird Key is home to 500+ residences with over 300 of them located directly on the water. Many boaters choose to live here with dockage situated along deep-water canals and Sarasota Bay. Large yachts and sailboats are easily accommodated and Bird Key features some of the best views of downtown Sarasota. Its prime location and waterfront appeal means the prices for real estate on Bird Key can range from $700,000 for homes that aren’t on the water to $3 million+ for some of the more luxurious waterfront homes. Dreamy waterfront amenities can also be found at the private Bird Key Yacht Club and the nearby Sarasota Yacht Club.

Bird Key offers relaxed island living and is only a seashell’s throw from downtown Sarasota, beaches, and shopping. To learn more about Bird Key and the many areas and lifestyles of Sarasota, please contact me, Rich Polese, at 941-914-7115 or use the contact form below.