MichaelSaunders.com | 21
rom unspoiled natural landscapes
to sophisticated oceanfront
properties, Southwest Florida
offers a diverse array of beach lifestyles. A
myriad of communities, each with its own
unique personality, sprinkle the pristine
coastline.
Siesta Key is one of the most renowned
beach communities in the region, named
Best Beach in America by Dr. Beach
in 2011. Ideally-sited condominiums
complement spectacular modern estates
tucked deep into the Florida foliage
along the waterfront. The powdery
quartz sand of Siesta Key sparkles under a
sun-drenched sky while the mild climate
allows for year-round indulgence in the
amenities of beach living.
Located nearby, spectacular Lido Beach
offers miles of soft white sand, tranquil
waters and St. Armands Circle, where
a variety of boutiques and restaurants
abound. Lido Beach homes range from
quaint, Mediterranean-style bungalows
to mid-century modern designs by
internationally acclaimed architects.
Adjacent to Lido Key is the exclusive
community of Longboat Key, where
sophisticated condominiums and
resorts line the beaches and canal front
neighborhoods open onto Sarasota Bay.
Longboat Key is acclaimed for its peaceful
atmosphere and perfectly manicured
landscapes. To the north, the seven-mile
stretch of Anna Maria Island, just off the
shoreline of Bradenton, houses a cluster
of beaches with a casual, classic Florida
appeal.
To the south, Old Florida cottages and
grand beach-to-bay estates frame the
relaxed barrier islands of Casey Key and
Manasota Key. A gathering of beaches
in Venice line the coast where vintage
architecture and natural landscapes
create a casual coastal charm. Homes
of contemporary and modern design
mingle with eclectic, colorful cottages
giving this area a beautiful blended flavor.
This nature enthusiast's paradise has
an abundance of fishing, boating and
waterfront amenities.
At the southern-most tip of the region,
there is no shortage of charm and privacy.
In polished Boca Grande on Gasparilla
Island, elegance and classic Florida mingle
beautifully. The nearby islands of Palm,
Little Gasparilla and Useppa can only
be accessed by boat creating a tranquil,
serene oasis. The beaches are pristine,
offering a peaceful and undisturbed union
with the elements.
It is not just the tranquility of the
ocean and miles of white sand that
make Southwest Florida such a coveted
paradise, it is the Gulf Coast residents
who are committed to preserving its
history and beauty that truly complement
the environment.
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