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42 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE A PLAY. REJUVENATE. SAVOR. EXPLORE. UNWIND. Hold the key to a lifetime of experiences at LONGBOAT KEY CLUB. There's so much to do… 45 holes of challenging golf, 20 Har-Tru tennis courts, a pristine beach and pool, an intimate spa, workout studio, eight restaurants and lounges, a full-service marina. Plus, a membership with us puts you at the center of the island's vibrant social scene, with exclusive member events and activities. To arrange for your personal tour and membership preview, call 941.387.1661 or email Membership@LongboatKeyClub.com BE PART OF SARASOTA'S PREMIER PRIVATE GOLF, TENNIS & BEACH CLUB. GOLF IS JUST THE BEGINNING… BUT WHAT A GLORIOUS START. RECEIVE NEW GOLF CLUBS, TENNIS EQUIPMENT or a CLUB SPENDING CREDIT based upon your level of membership. Call today! PLAY. REJUVENATE. SAVOR. EXPLORE. UNWIND. 11787_LBK_FL_Homes_Ad.indd 1 1/24/14 3:06 PM K nown for refined luxur y and manicured landscapes; Longboat Key offers an abundance of gorgeous white sand beaches and upscale amenities. Exclusive resorts, high-end boutiques and five-star restaurants make it an ideal destination for vacationers who like their beaches on the swank ier side. Ignored by the spring break crowd and devoid of the k itschy aractions that characterize many Florida beach towns, Longboat Key is one of the quietest barrier islands on the Gulf Coast, one of it's most beloved qualities. Longboat Key has a long histor y as a vacation destination, dating back to the Timucuan and Caloosa Indians who vacationed here for hundreds of years. Shell mounds have been found showing that picnics and fish fries were commonplace. Modern development began in the early 1900's but it wasn't until John R ingling bought hundreds of acres on the south end of the island that Longboat Key as we know it today began to take shape. R ingling planted Australian pine trees along R ingling Boulevard (now Gulf of Mex ico Drive) from one end of the island to the other. In 1926, he began building the R itz-Carlton Hotel but never finished due to the depression; it was torn down in 1962 aer the devlopment company, A r vida, bought the land. Longboat Key is synonymous with grand mansions and lavish resorts, plus some of the world 's most picturesque sunsets framing the tranquil Gulf of Mex ico. Retirees and families relocate or visit each year to take advantage of the superb angling , shelling , bik ing , shopping , dining and luxur y homes that dot it's 12-mile stretch of shoreline. A lthough Longboat Key is a locale that prizes its tranquil nights and lazy beach days, it is just minutes away from the cultural aractions of Sarasota and world-famous St. A rmand 's Circle, mak ing it the ideal base from which to explore the area. WHERE TO EAT Enjoy romantic waterfront dining at the CHART HOUSE, indulge in a splen- did French dish at EUPHEMIA HAYE or relax dockside at the OLD SALTY DOG. WHAT TO DO Visit the MOTE MARINE for an aquatic delight or take off on an adventure through the mangroves with ADVENTURE KAYAK OUTFITTERS. PLACES TO STAY Vacation in style at the extraordi- nary RESORT AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB, or rent a splendid home or condominium from Jennetteproperties. com. The Resort at Longboat Key Club has it all, gorgeous beaches, delicious restuarants, championship golf, tennis and more. longboatkeyclub.com GreG Sheller, Pl Realtor®, Broker Your Real Estate Agent for Life Re/Max Alliance Group 9 41. 2 6 6 . 8 7 7 7 Greg@GregSheller.com GregSheller.com Enjoy refined waterfront living on coveted South Longboat Key. This exquisite custom home is a boat lovers dream with expansive views overlooking the tranquil waters of Sarasota Bay from the lush deep- water lot large enough to accommodate a 65' sail boat. The perfect setting to entertain family and friends, the elegant home offers 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, cathedral ceilings, sauna and steam room, a large private office and pool side sun room. $2,650,000 MLS# A3989966 Go to www.571PotterLane.com for more info. Exquisite Longboat Key Bayfront Home LONGBOAT KEY D est inat ion

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