Siesta Key Real Estate Update

Sarasota Barrier Islands

Who hasn’t dreamed of watching the sunset from their deck; of taking an early morning walk along a quiet beach, searching for shells; of swimming in warm waters in front of your home or along glorious white sand beaches; of taking a boat out to deep water to sail or do battle with the big fish; of playing a round of golf with the gulf as your backdrop. That’s what life is like on Sarasota’s barrier islands.

Sarasota Barrier Island: Siesta Key

From its beach cottages and mid-rise condos to its elegant waterfront homes, this Sarasota barrier island exudes that “old Florida” feeling of friendly neighbors, soft sand between your toes and a cool breeze blowing in off the Gulf. It’s white sand beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the nation and its two villages offer shopping that runs from chic to funky and dining that ranges from family friendly to elegant.

Population: Less than 8000 permanent residents

Current Listings from the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service

Single Family Homes:

There are 206 single family homes on the market priced from $249,000 to $15,000,000.

There are 51 single family homes in Sale Pending priced from $234,000 to $2,895,000.

There have been 8 single family homes Sold so far this year priced from $250,000 to $1,399,000.

Condos on Siesta Key:

There are 367 condos on the market priced from $150,000 to $2,799,000.

There are 47 condos in Sale Pending priced from $140,000 to $1,350,000.

There have been 33 condos Sold so far this year priced from $199,000 to $2,799,000.

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR SIESTA KEY SINGLE FAMILY HOMES:

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR SIESTA KEY CONDOS:

The Herron Group / Nick Herron with RE/MAX Alliance Group would be glad to show you any of these properties. We can be reached at 941.350.5035 or Nickherron@comcast.net

Beach, Bay or Back Nine...Live the Dream

Myakka River State Park "A Nature Lover’s Paradise"

Encompassing 57 square miles of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Located just 9-miles east of Sarasota and her Barrier Islands of Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key and Manasota Key, the park is a favorite for hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and viewing Florida’s abundant wildlife.

Once a portion of the estate holdings of Bertha Palmer, her family donated the park to the state in the early 1900’s and named after the Myakka River, the shallow, winding river that flows through 14 miles of the park. Designated as one of Florida’s “Wild and Scenic Rivers” in 1985, the Myakka River is a popular destination for freshwater fishing and canoeing and is home is one of Florida’s largest alligator populations.

Activities abound in the park: Hike along 39-miles of trails, canoe or kayak on the Myakka River or on its lakes, bike along the roads, bird watch along the Birdwalk, take a leisure ride on the Air Boat, ride your own horse along the backcountry horse trails, picnic with the family in the designated picnic areas, or walk through the treetops on the Canopy Walkway.

Myakka River State Park is noted for its diverse wildlife. Herons, ibises, roseate spoonbill, bald eagles, osprey, meadowlark, bobwhite, hawks, ducks, and warblers bring bird watchers from near and far. Alligators, turtles, and gopher tortoises are just a few of the many species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the many fish identified in the rivers and lakes are Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar, Mudfish, Tarpon, American Eel, Yellow Cat, Snook, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Striped Mullet. Native flora provides a verdant sea as mossy live oaks, sabal palms, and mangrove trees blanket the park.

As an area native, recent transplant, or Florida visitor, the picturesque views of Myakka River State Park are a must-see on anyone’s to-do list.

Myakka State Park is located on State Road 72 is just a 14 mile drive from Siesta Key.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed any of Sarasota’s Barrier Islands. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

"The Broken Egg Restaurant" A Sarasota Breakfast Tradition

A tradition on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Siesta Key since 1984, the Broken Egg Restaurant serves up one the best breakfasts in town. A second location in Lakewood Ranch allows for more locals and area visitors to experience the delicious dishes of the Broken Egg.

A local favorite (just ask sportscaster and Lakewood Ranch resident, Dick Vitale, who frequents the restaurant), The Broken Egg is known for their scrumptious egg creations, omelettes, pancakes, fresh juices, and homemade bakery selections. Both locations offer lunch and dinner along with their famous breakfasts and patio dining for you to enjoy. Visit the Art Gallery and Gift Shop at the Siesta Key location and pick up a Dick Vitale bobblehead!

Start your day at the beach on Siesta Key or your round of golf at Lakewood Ranch with a fabulous breakfast at the Broken Egg.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the golf course properties at Lakewood Ranch or any of the homes or condos on Sarasota’s Barrier Islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Bird Key and Lido or Longboat Key. Call Nick at 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Coasters Restaurant Casual dining with a remarkable view

Located amidst the New England-inspired architecture of the Boatyard Shops on the mainland side of the Stickney Point Bridge to Siesta Key, Coasters on the Water offers a unique waterfront dining experience. The restaurant and its expansive outdoor deck overlook the Intracoastal Waterway affording outstanding views of passing boats and water sports enthusiasts.

No need to for fancy dress here, just come as you are – with shirt and shoes, of course.
This casual atmosphere is reflected in the friendly, laid-back attitude of the staff as well as in the indoor Tiki Bar on the second floor, which offers a daily Happy Hour from 3 – 7 pm. Only about a 15 minute drive from Casey Key, we love to come here to enjoy a great meal while taking in the amazing views.

Live music is on hand most evenings, getting the crowd swinging and dancing. We have been lucky enough to catch the rock and soul show of the The Fabulous Ricky and Franky who have opened for such national acts as The Beach Boys and Gary Puckett & the Union Gap.

Coasters is one of Sarasota’s “gems on the water” that every local and tourist should experience. But be sure to come early during season, the outdoor deck fills up fast!


Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota Barrier Island's of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Lido Key, Longboat or Bird Key . Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Siesta Key Formerly Sarasota Key

Siesta Key is an eight mile long striking Sarasota Barrier Island located off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Formerly called Sarasota Key, but a local personality “Harry Higel” gave the Key its present name Siesta Key.

Voted “One of the World’s Best Beaches” by the travel channel, Crescent Beach, Siesta Key’s main beach is very unique. If you notice the sand feels and looks different from the other beaches. That is because Siesta Key beach sand is made up of 99% genuine (quartz) powdery white and glistening. Most beaches are your typical crushed coral or shells. The quartz will allow the sand to remain cool even on a hot summer afternoon. This was confirmed in a study by Harvard University Geology Department.

A large portion of Siesta Key Real Estate offers stunning views of the beaches, the bay or the winding canals.

Current data from Mid Florida Regional MLS for Siesta Key Real Estate:

Single Family homes for sale 235 ----------------Condos currently for sale 411
Single Family homes sale pending 49 -----------Condos currently sale pending 42
Single Family homes sold this year 44---------- Condos sold this year 54

The Herron Group 941-350-5035, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with RE/MAX Alliance Group would be happy to introduce you to the Beautiful Beaches of Siesta Key.

Take your shoes off and feel the sand between your toes. You will want to join us in Paradise.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the dream

The Art of Being Frugal

We are all budget conscious these days and every week there are totally free events for you and your family. Yes happening right here in Sarasota and on the Barrier Islands. Saturday mornings there is a great Farmers Market Downtown where you can stroll around and check out all the different vendor’s merchandise, people watch, or just bring your dog and walk around. On Sundays you can go to the one on Siesta Key in the Village.

This weekend was also the Avenida de Colores (Avenue of Colors) Chalk Festival. Several artists from around the country spent the weekend making masterpieces using pastel chalk on the streets of Burns Square. Yes on the pavement and when the streets reopen Sunday night motorist will be driving over the temporary masterpieces.

While on Siesta Key as well as on any of Sarasota’s Barrier Islands, Manasota Key, Casey Key, Longboat key or Lido Key the beaches offer hours of free fun and relaxation. Take a splash in the aqua blue gulf waters, build sandcastles, search for shells, or take a leisurely stroll. All to enjoy for free and it is Paradise at its best.

Maybe the time is right now for you to buy a piece of Paradise, while the prices are the best they have been in years. Now you can be living your dream of a Sarasota waterfront home.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream with the Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron, RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-350-5035. Nick and Kathleen would be glad to show you your dream home.

What are you waiting for? Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Siesta Key Real Estate, Restaurants, and Beaches

Siesta Key is home to the small and vibrant Siesta Key Village, a pedestrian friendly center where shopping, dining, and enjoying Florida are top on the agenda. Several neighborhoods dot this small island, clustered around the village or scattered from end to end. Waterfront homes, bay front estates, mid-rise condominiums, small Florida cottages, and a mixture of old and new can be found throughout this charming barrier island.

The Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron attended the Siesta Luxury Broker Tour last night. We were actually previewing several of the listings on Siesta Key for a couple of Buyer clients that we have coming in to Sarasota next week. They are looking for properties on the different Barrier Islands, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key.

According to the Mid Florida MLS today there are approximately 265 single family homes for sale on Siesta Key and 445 condos on Siesta Key for sale. There are 20 condos and 39 single family homes on Siesta Key that are currently under contract to sale and 26 single family homes and 46 condos on Siesta Key that have sold this year.

After looking at several of the properties we decided to stop in at The Old Salty Dog (one of Kathleen’s favorites) from when she was just coming to Siesta Key on vacations. It first opened on Siesta key in 1986. I had my usual Traditional English Fish and Chips. The outside dinning is available and makes it a nice experience where you can people watch and even bring your dog (pet friendly).

It is also a WI-FI Hot Spot so you can use your lap top computer. We find that useful when we are working with clients on Siesta Key.

Here is a little more information on Siesta Key.

Siesta Key Restaurants
Siesta Village is home to many delightful restaurants; depending on our mood and appetite. Here are a few favorites.

The Broken Egg. A favorite of basketball announcer Dick Vitale, the Broken Egg is a perfect way to start the day. The walls double as an art gallery, where local art is displayed and sold. Don’t leave without trying the Incredible Hash Browns.

Ophelia’s on the Bay. 17 years of waterfront dining—they’re doing something right. Ophelia’s chefs use locally grown fresh foods and offers a blend of cuisines; Zagats has rated it “extraordinary” and it truly is. In fact, take your pick of adjectives and Ophelia’s delivers: fantastic, romantic, outstanding, fabulous…this is Siesta Key dining!

Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB). Casual…completely. Very young. Unwind with live music and Island fare; great place to eat outside and enjoy Siesta Village. Sports bar atmosphere.

The Lobster Pot. A New England theme; award winning seafood. Dine in or outside; really worth the wait on a crowded night.

Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar. Super casual seafood dining on Old Stickney Point Road; great place to take the grandkids—who cares if they make a mess on a picnic table?

Big Olaf Creamery. No matter how full you are, there’s always room for ice cream. Big Olaf’s is a tradition on Siesta Key; sit outside and enjoy.

Siesta Key Beaches
Say “Siesta Key” and the immediate word association is best beaches! Siesta Key beaches are nearly pure quartz sand and are renowned by travel experts and beach lovers the world over. Miles of white powder stretch along the Gulf of Mexico, treating toes to an uncommon luxury. Siesta’s three main beaches are Siesta Public Beach, home to the weekly drum circle heard every Sunday near sunset; Crescent Beach, the more secluded and serene neighbor just south of the public beach; and Turtle Beach, a more playful beach perched on the southern tip of Siesta.

For more information on Siesta Key, call 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group. This rare team is ready to help you find the perfect place to call home on Florida’s west coast and Sarasota’s barrier islands including Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and anywhere in between!

Siesta Key Luxury Broker Tour Thursday April 16

The following homes will be open from 4PM to 7PM today; with wine and Hors d’ oeuvres being served at each property.

#1. 163 Siesta Drive Priced at $2,695,000 MLS# A3898682
#2. 3910 Solymar Drive Priced at $3,395,000 MLS# A37413
#3. 867 Siesta Key Circle Priced at $5,975,000 MLS# A3903389
#4. 718 Siesta Key Circle Priced at $1,800,000 MLS# A3901811
#5. 4929 Higel Avenue Priced at $3,250,000 MLS# A389180
#6. 501 Beach Road, Unit B Priced at $2,599,000 MLS# A3900245
#7. 7147 Point of Rocks Circle Priced at $1,225,000 MLS# A3898236
#8. 8015 Midnight Pass Road Priced at $1,395,000 MLS# A3896552
#9. 1280 Tree Bay Lane Priced at $1,100,000 MLS# A386289
#10. 1162 Horizon View Drive Priced at $3,300,000 MLS# A3904754
#11. 9211 Blind Pass Road Priced at $2,400,000 MLS# A378326
#12. 9247 Blind Pass Road Priced at $2,599,000 MLS# A352980

The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group ,Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron plan to attend the Siesta Key tour. If you would be interested in any of these Siesta Key homes or condos, please contact us and we would be glad to show you any of these or any other homes or condo on Siesta Key.

South Beach-style street party comes to Sarasota

Sarasota and her islands—we live in such a classy, upscale town and every now and then a party comes along that perfectly highlights the strengths of what Sarasota has to offer. We’re anticipating one classy party on March 21 at the second annual Chillounge Night. This is a street party full of energy, with South Beach style music, dancing, and fine food and drinks. This unique high season event completely transforms our beautiful downtown Art District and historic Palm Avenue into an outdoor lounge.

Chillounge Night is sponsored by Cointreau, Audi, Michelob, Café L ‘Europe, and many other distinguished regional and national sponsors. One of the delights of this beautiful night on the town is that everyone has a great time while benefiting the United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota-Manatee, Wendy Mann Resnick – Executive Director.

This year’s Chillounge Night will prove to be exotic and chic, with a Brazilian Samba parade, a Kelietza, Juno and Jove fashion show presented by Piper Heidsieck, tango performance by Los Listos Lotus Fire, smatterings of opera and smooth jazz, and 40 inviting lounge areas set up with tropical outdoor daybeds and luxury lounge seating. Café L ‘Europe is sponsoring the VIP lounge, where Nick and Kathleen plan to mix and mingle. VIP tickets include complimentary drinks, food, and Cigars at the Maduro Cigar Lounge.

When you decide to call Sarasota home—whether you live on Casey Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, St. Armand’s, Longboat Key, or in any of the spectacular golf course homes that surround us, you simply must come out and play when events like these come along. Hope to see you there!

Just visiting? When you’re ready to move here permanently, give Nick and Kathleen Herron a call. After 20 years in the Sarasota real estate business, The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group is perfectly suited to guide you to just the right address among Sarasota’s prestigious waterfront homes and luxury golf course communities. Call 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group. We’d love to schedule an afternoon on the Wild Welshman, our vintage 33 foot boat and the perfect accomplice to viewing waterfront properties in style.

Siesta Key…and marching to the beat of a different drum

Witnessing a sunset overlooking the water is an experience in its own right. But there’s something incredibly special about watching the sun go down to the beat of a hundred drums.

Welcome to Siesta Key beach on any Sunday night—and its organic drum circle.

A drum circle can be any group of people playing percussion in a circle with others from the community. The main objective is to share rhythm together, and there is no leader, no form, no rules. People just show up, bringing along drums or tambourines of various shapes and sizes. Some come to watch and listen; others to participate; and some to dance to the earthly rhythms. Nobody is in charge of starting or ending, yet the drum circle traditionally starts about an hour before sunset. For some it is a spiritual experience, and to others it is strictly entertainment. No matter your intention, visiting Siesta Key’s weekly drum circle adds to the richness of the experience of living or visiting Siesta Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Some people march to the beat of a different drum—and those are the kind of people that make life interesting. We’ve met so many fascinating people over the years that we have worked in Sarasota real estate. We’ve enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life who have truly achieved success—people who have developed incredible businesses; those who have achieved creative success as authors and artists; and those who have realized their dreams by living in one of the most beautiful waterfront communities in the world—Siesta Key.

Nick and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group are in tune with the rhythm of real estate in the greater Sarasota area—Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and all of the communities surrounding the barrier islands on Florida’s west coast.

Speaking of drums—you can’t BEAT the price on 708 Casey Key Road this is the least expensive Bay front property on Casey Key. New boat dock and wonderful Gulf beach easement. The home has three bedrooms one bath and a half up stairs and a two bedrooms, one bath non-conforming apartment downstairs, and a three car garage. Reduced to $1,175,000.

Tap to the beat at the beach, bay, or back nine—call 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group .

Siesta Key Farmers Market—one more reason why we call this area home.

There’s something fresh and revitalizing about a farmer’s market. Maybe it’s the colors—everywhere you turn, you see vibrant greens, a rainbow of fresh-cut flowers, and the rich browns of specialty coffees and hearty breads.

Perhaps it’s the people-watching. It’s entertaining, actually, to see the all-natural, sun-browned hippy over there, or the grandmother trying to reign in the busy toddler, or the spry lady with the red hat pushing a doggy stroller. It’s like a garden of people in the farmer’s market.

Of course, it’s also the vendors. The muscled guy hauling another crate of organic watermelons. Or the talented musician strumming a guitar and selling his latest CDs.

People, colors, vendors, food! Ahh, the sights and sounds and smells are wonderful. And the Siesta Key farmer’s market in the Davidson Plaza in Siesta Key village tops any other for three reasons: location, location, location! Where else can you start your market morning with a walk on the beach? Every Sunday from 8 to noon, vendors sell, visitors shop, residents smile, dogs wag, children laugh, and organic abounds. Can’t beat it.

The Siesta Key farmer’s market is one more reason (and we have a lot of them) why we love this area. Just last week as we cruised down the Intracoastal Waterway off of Casey Key, we had one of those moments. You know, the kind of moment when you realize—for the hundredth time—that you live here. Even after 20+ years, we still get those moments, especially when nature is showing off. The warm sun, a pair of egrets diving for fish, the warm Florida breeze, a view of Sarasota’s barrier islands…it just doesn’t get any better.

If you’re ready to have one of those moments—when you realize, “we live here!”—call or email Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group for more information. We specialize in beach-to-bay waterfront properties in Siesta Key, Casey Key, Nokomis, Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and all of the surrounding areas. Prefer a golf course home? We’ll show you some incredible values. Call Nick or Kathleen today at 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group for more information.

See you at the market!