Bird Key

 Bird Key, Florida Real Estate

Bird Key is a barrier island in Sarasota Bay and is home to the most prestigious residences on Florida’s West Coast.  South of the Ringling Causeway and situated between Sarasota’s mainland and St. Armand’s Circle, it is approximately 250 acres of pristine waterfront property.  Its name derives from the large population of birds that flocked to the original island.

Created by dredge and fill, Bird Key was originally a small island connecting the Ringling Causeway by a tree-lined causeway of its own. At the time, the island contained only one home, bought by John Ringling North in the early 1920's. North, the nephew of Circus Magnate John Ringling, later sold the island to Bird Key Development Company in 1951.  In 1960, the neighborhood was developed by the Arvida Corporation, and lots began selling for an average of $9,000 to $32,000.

Today, Bird Key is hailed as one of the most exclusive, well sought-after neighborhoods on all of Sarasota’s barrier islands.  Containing multi-million dollar homes, with such notable residents as Jerry Springer and Brian Johnson from AC/DC, the community has 24-hour patrolled security.  Consisting of approximately 500 luxury homes, Bird Key is the epitome of elegant waterfront living.  Privileged owners have the option of joining the Bird Key Yacht Club to enjoy private tennis, dining and boating.