Casey Key

History of Casey Key

The island was known as “Chaise’s Key” when the first map was drawn in 1849. It was renamed “Casey Key” in 1856 and relabeled “Treasure Island” during the Florida land boom in the 1920’s. But the name Casey Key was stickier and made it somehow back. 

Known as an extraordinary and unique barrier island, Casey Key offers unspoiled private beach access. The island is strictly residential with only a few small motels near the southern end. There is only one long and winding road cutting through the center of the island. Here and there you can catch a glimpse of the beach or of the Gulf of Mexico. In certain spots, the island is so narrow that you can see the water of the Gulf on one side and the water of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other side. At some places along the key, you could easily lob a seashell across the entire width of the island. A big section of the island is less than 800’ wide.

Where is Nokomis Beach?

At the south end of the island, before you reach the jetty, you will see Nokomis Beach. This beach is the only public beach on Casey Key. There are several restrooms, and there are also lifeguards on duty, but bring your food and drinks. No commercial activity means that there are no restaurants, shops or concession stands. That does not mean that you cannot use the full length of the island’s beach, which is running all along the side of the Gulf of Mexico. There is just no access from the road because there are private residences lined up along the beach. The southernmost tip of the island is called the Jetty’s. You will find an charming old concession stand with modern restroom facilities, a fishing pier and access to the beach and sheltered grill pavilions.

Casey Key Luxury Real Estate

The exclusive Island of Casey Key is home to some of Florida’s most extravagant residences. The Casey Key real estate market is known for having some of the most beautiful and most expensive waterfront homes in Sarasota County. In fact, you’ll often see people passing through the island to catch a glimpse of Casey Key’s large waterfront estates–many of which extend from the Gulf to the bay. 

By the way, the majority of the island is a conservation district, established in the early 1970’s by the Florida State Legislature, and that’s the reason why this island looks so unspoiled.

The barrier Island has only room for 400 properties while enforcing minimal commercial activity and a ban on high-rise structures. Because the eight-mile strand of properties can never go longer, sprawl inland or soar upward, demand for Casey Key properties has itself soared upward in recent years compared with Sarasota County’s other barrier islands.