Siesta Key - Sarasota, Florida

There are two drawbridges that link Siesta Key to the mainland. The south bridge, on Stickney Point Road leads directly to I-75 as it changes name to Clark Road heading east toward Arcadia. On the northern tip of the Key the drawbridge links Siesta Key into Sarasota. Both bridges cross the Intracoastal Waterway and open to allow larger boats to pass. A portion of the north end of Siesta Key lies within the boundaries of the City of Sarasota, while the majority of Siesta Key lies in the unincorporated Sarasota County.

The main, approximately 6 mile long, beach is known the world over. In 1987 an international contest was held and the sand of Siesta Key was declared the finest and whitest sand in the world. Every day hundreds of walkers and joggers pass by on the water's edge along with a variety of sea birds such as egret, sandpiper, herons and of course sea gulls. Many days dolphins can be seen feeding and playing just off the beach along with the occasional manatee. The shallow depths make it a very popular beach as walking hundreds of feet offshore the depth barely reaches six feet.

There are two shopping areas on Siesta Key. Just a bit north of the public beach is Siesta Village. Dozens of boutiques, restaurants, bars and real estate offices are located here as well as a small but fully stocked supermarket. Just to the south of where Stickney Point road meets Midnight Pass Road is the second commercial district. Many similar boutiques and offices are located here. In addition there are some very unique restaurants here and further south on Siesta Key.

There are only approximately 12-thousand people who call Siesta Key home year-round. The population nearly doubles during the winter as the hundreds of condominiums and hotel rooms fill up as the "snowbirds" arrive. Take a stroll on Siesta Beach and you'll hear many different languages spoken as Siesta Key is a popular destination for people from around the world.