SARASOTA: SIESTA KEY
Siesta Key is another very popular place in Sarasota and it is not too far from the famous St. Armands Key. It is just a short drive to the Harmony Skin Care spa.
The Siesta Key in Florida’s Sarasota County is one fine example of the natural beauty that this state has to offer. Boasting a modest population of around 7,000 people, this area sits on about 2 and a half miles of land, not counting the extra mile of water that belongs to the Siesta Key. The area is characterized by a community of single-family homes, retail outlets and unique exhibitions, that are split across 4 districts.
The Siesta Key History
The Siesta Key contains a fascinating history within it, that mostly begins around the early 20th century. Groups of homesteaders first began claiming land in the area during the 1880‘s, although most of these individuals weren’t as ambitious as Louis Roberts. Roberts began what became known as the “Roberts Hotel”, which he developed from expanding his original home he built in the area. Later he, with the help of Harry Higel and E.M. Arbogast started the Siesta Land Company, which was responsible for much of the early advancement in the area.
Developments pushed forward by the Siesta Land Company started taking place sometime around 1907. They dubbed a portion of the key as “The Siesta of the Gulf”, and the early work they did focused primarily on dredging land and building docks.
During this period, traveling to the island was somewhat difficult, as the only way to access the area was via a slow ride on a ferry boat. Eager to improve access to the hastily developing area, the company prompted the construction of a bridge that would connect the Siesta Key to the mainland of Florida.
The bridge was completed in 1917, and finally allowed access to the island via cars. The original bridge was there for about a decade, when it was replaced by a larger and more impressive bridge in 1927. Additionally, the Blackburn Point Bridge was built to accompany the project at the same time.
By the middle of the 20th century around 1948, suburban life and developments had firmly moved into the Siesta Key, as subdivisions and other living spaces continually grew throughout the area. At that time a group of individuals got together and formed a non-profit organization which became known as the Siesta Key Association.
Aiding the upkeep of the local neighborhoods and residents, the organization is responsible for gathering statistics and collecting data they share with the local government in the best interest of the community. Among the achievements they are associated with includes the development of the first zoning code for the area, which was done in 1954.
The efforts made in the past have brought the Siesta Key to where it is today, a bright and cheerful island community brimming with life and excitement. Popular locations for both tourists and locals alike include Boyd Park and the various beaches along the island, such as Siesta Key Beach. The locals have good things to say about some of nearby restaurants, which include establishments such as the Siesta Key Oyster Bar and The Old Salty Dog Siesta Key.
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