Welcome to Longboat Key!

Stretching narrowly for some eleven sun-drenched miles between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key provides an ideal beach and bayfront setting for the ultimate in a Florida vacation.

Out of the way, out of the ordinary and easily accessible, Longboat Key offers a relaxed, quiet, secluded atmosphere far from traffic noise and everyday hustle. Come and sit awhile as the sun slips into the spectacular explosion of vibrant colors. Watch a stately white egret take flight over the bay for other fishing grounds. Moments like these keep tourists coming back time and time again to one of the nations' most prestigious island retreats.

While Longboat Key is a popular destination for visitors from around the world, you won't find mini-malls, towering billboards or glaring neon signs in this community. Instead, you are welcomed to a land of tasteful luxury and tempting quiet pleasures.

Home to 8,000 permanent residents, the Key attracts many Northerners who can appreciate the average year-round 73 degree temperature. Whether you like to spend time shelling, biking, shopping, fishing, golfing or dining, the Key's relaxing activities are boundless. Tennis and golf enthusiasts will find first-class facilities here. Accommodations vary to suit everyone, from private suites in plush resorts and condominiums to beach front cottages and modest hotel rooms.

Although known as a private island paradise, Longboat Key is only minutes from Sarasota and the many cultural activities the city offers.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Asolo Theater, Ringling Museum, Sarasota Ballet and Opera, live theater and more. Even closer is world-class shopping on St. Armands Circle, just a bridge away.

DEMOGRAPHICS

LOCATION
Longboat Key is an offshore barrier island running roughly north to south and enclosing the western boundary of Sarasota Bay in Southwest Florida. The island's eastern shoreline has dense mangroves except where canals have been dredged and marinas built.

The western shoreline consists of a white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. On both the north and south ends, Longboat Key is separated from neighboring islands by deep water passes from the Gulf to Sarasota Bay.

GEOGRAPHY
Land area, 4.26 square miles; length, 10.8 miles; width, .05 to 1 mile; elevation, 3 to 18 feet.

AIRPORT
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, just east of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) on Manatee County/Sarasota County line. The major carriers include: Delta, U.S. Airways, Continental and ATA. Commuter service is available from Air Sunshine or COMAIR 359-2770.

GOVERNMENT
Longboat Key lies in two counties - Manatee on the northern half and Sarasota on the southern half. The island was incorporated as a township in 1955 and is governed by a seven member Town Commission, each commissioner serves a two-year term.
The Mayor and Vice-Mayor are elected for two-year terms by the Commission. Administration is under a Town Manager with a full complement of departments: building, planning and zoning, finance, town clerk, police and fire/rescue. Additionally, the Town maintains cooperative relationships with police and fire/rescue services in neighboring communities.

TRANSPORTATION
The island's primary transportation element is Gulf of Mexico Drive (S.R. 789), a State highway classified as "urban minor arterial" running from the northern to southern ends of the Key. All other roadways are Town-owned, two-lane streets connecting to Gulf of Mexico Drive. The Intercoastal Waterway runs through Sarasota Bay and is accessible from Longboat from both the Gulf passes and numerous channels on the island's bayside. There is public bus transportation service the island from Sarasota County.