Florida Island Hopping: 9 Keys to Paradise

Mention the Florida Keys and most people will assume you mean the popular chain of islands that starts at the lower tip of Florida then hopscotches its way to Key West. “Key” is from the Spanish word “Cayo,” for island.  By definition, therefore, several other chains of keys line the state’s two coasts.  Indeed, one of the best examples lies just off Southwest Florida’s coastline—from Bradenton to Boca Grande.   Included in the chain—from north to south—are Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Lido & St. Armands Keys, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Palm Island and Gasparilla Island. Each of these islands is prized for its beauty, award-winning beaches, family-friendly activities and variety of lifestyle and housing opportunities.  Still, each has its own personality; as well as its own particular brand of seaside ambiance. Pointing out the nuances that makes each island so unique is impossible to do in this space.  But we can offer the following thumbnail profiles, then invite you to visit michaelsaunders.com to discover which island truly has your name on it. Anna Maria Island—Quaint and casual.  Beautiful beaches ring the island, and its narrow winding streets give way to a mixture of contemporary and historic buildings.  Anglers of all ages fish from rustic piers while sailboats skim the azure coastline. Anna Maria Island is an "Old Florida" beach resort where families love to rendezvous year after year.  A fantastic place to rent or own a vacation home. We are pleased to announce that the newest office of Michael Saunders & Company is now open at 6000 Marina Drive, in Holmes Beach, on Anna Maria Island.  Longboat Key—One of Sarasota’s premier offshore islands, a drive along its 11-mile length will impress the casual observer with its well-manicured beauty.  The island is lined with graceful waterfront homes, stylish beachfront condominiums; and the emerald links of the Longboat Key Club.

Lido Key and St. Armands Key—Sun-dappled shopping, al fresco dining and gorgeous beaches are only steps from one another on these two interconnected and highly walkable keys. Why settle for any one of these activities, when you can enjoy them all in a single day?

Siesta Key—Casual and cool with a relaxed coastal vibe, its centerpiece is its magnificent public beach, which has been consistently rated best in the U.S.  Family-friendly, but with plenty of fine restaurants and nightlife awaiting you after each spectacular Siesta sunset.

Casey Key—Very exclusive and exquisitely secluded; but with every mainland convenience only minutes away.  Perfect for the couple or family wanting to ditch the stresses of everyday life in order to rediscover each other amid luxurious coastal homes and quiet, deserted beaches.  No high-rises, minimal traffic; and no stop lights.

Manasota Key—A more laid-back version of Casey Key, but situated just offshore Englewood.  Trade your I-Pad for a fly rod and your street shoes for flip flops.  Casual Gulf-front seclusion with an unmistakable old Florida ambiance are the island’s calling card.  Famous artists and writers regularly check into the island’s Hermitage Artists Retreat to refresh their creative muse.

Palm Island—A six minute ferry ride is all it takes to transport yourself to an island of complete tranquility and relaxation.  Let time stand still while you rediscover family, friends and life’s simpler pleasures.  Amazing rental and purchase opportunities allow you to stay as long as you wish.

Gasparilla Island—A paved bike and golf cart path now links the island’s new swing bridge to the Village of Boca Grande as riders glide past the tall hedgerows that delineate the island’s vintage estates. Quaint and reeking with historic charm, the island is also a sportsman’s paradise. Exactly 40 years ago this year Michael Saunders & Company was founded on the premise of helping people buy and sell waterfront properties along Florida’s Gulf Coast.  The region’s leading real estate company, we’ve helped generations of families find their special place in our seaside paradise. We have offices on or near each of these Gulf islands; with agents standing by to help you learn which purchase or rental opportunity is right for you.  Or you can simply visit michaelsaunders.com  to learn more about our fabulous island lifestyles and the coastal properties that go with them.