Siesta Key Real Estate Update June 30, 2010

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

Sarasota Barrier Island: Siesta Key

Siesta Key is located on an eight mile long barrier island known for it's powdery white sands. The moment you step onto just one of the many beaches, Siesta Key will captivate you. From sunrise to sunset, Siesta Key's world-famous beaches display their unsurpassed beauty.
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 data from the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service:

Single Family Homes:

There are currently 170 Single Family Siesta Key homes active on the market for sale priced from $269,000 to $15,000,000.

There are currently 39 Single Family Siesta Key homes under contract (sale pending) priced from $235,000 to $ 3,945,000.

So far this year 77 Single Family homes have sold on Siesta Key selling for $232,000 to $6,425,000.

Condos on Siesta key:

There are currently 366 Condos on Siesta Key active on the market for sale priced from $150,000 to $3,200,000.

There are currently 44 Condos on Siesta Key under contract (sale pending) priced from $140,000 to $1,299,000.

So far this year 132 Condos have sold on Siesta Key selling for $148,000 to $2,450,000.

The Herron Group / Nick Herron & Kathleen 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

The Old Salty Dog "Sarasota’s Old Florida Fave”

Voted “Best Outdoor Dining” in Sarasota, the Old Salty Dog has been serving up their signature dishes for over 20 years. With its casual Key West-style atmosphere and British inspired cuisine, “The Dog” has become the epitome of the laid-back restaurant and pub in Sarasota.

There are two Sarasota Barrier Island locations, each offering outdoor dining and great food. The original “Dog” opened in the village of Siesta Key in 1986 and is a treasured part of village social life. With magnificent views of New Pass and Longboat Key, the second location opened on City Island, across from Mote Marine Aquarium, and is also accessible by boat.

Casual, outdoor dining in one reason both locations are popular spots for relaxing with a cold drink, but the great food is what keeps the crowds coming back. Their famous “Salty Dog” is a ¼-lb hot dog dipped in beer batter and deep fried. Yummy!! Other popular choices are the Traditional fish and chips, baby back ribs, peel and eat shrimp, and one of the best grouper sandwiches in town!

So kick back, relax, and enjoy a cold brew and great meal at the Old Salty Dog!

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

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!

Sandhill cranes, herons…and the Herron Group

“This is birding season, when some birds flock to West Florida for the winter and many more will pass through, in coming months, on their way to their summer haunts,” wrote Cathy Zollo of the Sarasota Herald Tribune in a recent article. “Along with them come the bird lovers, who must eat and stay in hotels and spend money with the region's local businesses. Florida is second only to California in the revenue it collects from the bird-loving public.”

I wonder how many bird lovers came to vacation in Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, and the rest of the greater Sarasota area—and ended up buying homes here?

I’d like to take a roll call of all of the homeowners who have arrived in the last ten years. I can imagine filling an auditorium with them and having them raise their hands or shout “here!” when they hear their category. (I wonder if we can borrow the Van Wezel?) Anyway, It might sound something like this:

“Ahem…attention please. We will now take roll. Please respond with a loud “here!” when you hear your category.”

1. Golfers. Here! Here! Here! (You get the idea.)
2. Beach lovers. Here!
3. Tired-of-shoveling-snow-ers. Here! (Note: this is an imaginary roll call so we can use imaginary words.)
4. Suntanners. Here!
5. World travelers who have been everywhere and realize there’s no place like Siesta Key and Sarasota. Here!
6. Birders. Here! Here!

By the way, according to the article, you bird watchers really are called “birders.” Enjoy your Sarasota bird season!

Speaking of birds, I overheard in my gym this morning that when humans feed sandhill cranes, the birds become overly aggressive. The storyteller said that one gentlemen—on the golf course—was severely bitten on his backside by a hungry (but disappointed) bird! The birds were hovering about and the man waved them away, but when he turned his back and bent over toward his golf ball…ouch! It’s never a good idea to feed the wildlife.

While we’re on the subject, I looked up characteristics of the heron—since we are The Herron Group, after all. I was pleased at some of our similarities. Here goes:

1. Water, water, everywhere.

The heron: “The white form of the Great Blue Heron, known as the "great white heron," is found nearly exclusively in shallow marine waters along the coast of southern Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula, and in the Caribbean.”*

The Herron Group: We specialize in distinctive waterfront properties in Sarasota, Florida and adjacent barrier island communities including Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, Nokomis, Osprey, Venice, Englewood, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key & St. Armands, and Bird Key.

2. Adaptable to its environment.

The heron: “Although the Great Blue Heron eats primarily fish, it is adaptable and willing to eat other animals as well.”*

The Herron Group: With over 20 years experience in Sarasota and Siesta Key area real estate, we’ve adapted to shifting winds and subtle or drastic changes in the real estate markets. We can help you navigate the waters of today’s unusual circumstances.

3. Specializes in nest-building.

The heron: “Nests in colonies, sometimes as lone pair. Nest a large platform of sticks, lined with pine needles, moss, reeds, dry grass, or twigs. Placed high in trees, occasionally on ground.”*

The Herron Group: Buying a home is a lot like building a nest. The right tree—or neighborhood—makes all the difference in the world. Choosing the right Realtor® is the first step, and Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group are poised to help you find just the right home on Florida’s west coast and Sarasota’s barrier islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key.


*Source: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Siesta Key Restaurants

One of our all-time favorite Siesta Key restaurants is Turtles Restaurant. Located at 8875 Midnight Pass Road on the Siesta Key's south end, Turtles diners can experience a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a water view too. The Price Edward Island mussels are fantastic, and I always order the Grouper picatta -- delicious!

Majestic coconut palms greet you at this Siesta Key restaurant setting the mood for your island dining. Little Sarasota Bay's views are breathtaking and provide a romantic waterfront dining experience highlighting fresh seafood and fine cuisine.

For information on Casey Key real estate or Siesta Key real estate, contact Nick Herron at 941-350-5035 or email Nick for a quick response.