Remembering Hurricane Charley

Today marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Charley and its massive surge of damage to Southwest Florida and our state as a whole.

Charley formed as a Tropical Depression on Monday, August 9th, 2004 off the coast of Grenada. The storm quickly moved west and gained strength, becoming a Tropical Storm by early morning on Tuesday, August 10th. By afternoon, Charley had organized into a hurricane, becoming the third of the 2004 Atlantic Season.

Gradually moving over the Gulf of Mexico, Charley rapidly intensified the morning of Friday, August 13th. By 2 pm that afternoon, Charley was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching over 145 mph.

Charley’s erratic path made it difficult to determine where it would make landfall. Initial reports expected the storm to hit somewhere near Tampa, but at approximately 5 pm, the storm veered. The wrath of Charley made landfall near Charlotte Harbor, damaging the coastal cities of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. The storm followed along the Peace River corridor, devastating the small towns of Arcadia, Zolfo Springs, Sebring, and Wauchula. Charley continued along the path through Orlando and eventually made its way out of Florida at Daytona Beach, emerging as a Category 1 storm.

Hurricane Charley is considered the 5th costliest hurricane in US history. It attributed to over $5 billion in property damage and $285 billion in agricultural damage in the state of Florida. Charlotte County saw the most damage with over 80% of its buildings destroyed including hospitals, schools, the local airport, and hundreds of homes.

As we look back on this day, we know it is nearly impossible to be fully prepared for the destruction left by a natural disaster, but there are steps we can take to minimize that destruction. The following link to our local news channel, Sarasota’s WWSB channel 40, Hurricane Preparedness page gives you tips on: Making Your House Storm Ready, Shelter Information, Evacuation maps, Survival Kits, Boat Safety Tips, and After the Storm. Their Hurricane Guide can be downloaded and printed for your convenience.
Be prepared and stay safe!

The Sarasota's Barrier Islands had very little damage from Hurricane Clarley.

The Herron Group / RE/MAX Alliance Group , Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron would be glad to show you any of the homes or condos listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Islands of Bird Key, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, Longboat and Lido Key. Call 941.350.5035. or 800.789.6580

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Sarasota’s Barrier Islands Escape to Paradise

Several barrier islands separate Sarasota’s mainland from the Gulf of Mexico. These islands are known as the “keys” and include the islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key.

Longboat Key and Lido Key are the northernmost barrier islands in Sarasota County. They are known for their pristine, private access beaches and world-class shopping and dining at St. Armand’s Circle which lies midway between the two keys.
Bird Key lies just east of Lido Key and is home to one of the most exclusive residential communities in the country.

Siesta Key is the most well-known of the Sarasota barrier islands. This 8-mile island is known worldwide for its white sandy beach-made of 99% pure quartz, it is always cool and soft to the touch. Siesta Key Beach has made the top ten of Dr. Beach’s “Best Beaches in America” list for three straight years, coming in second place in 2009. Siesta Key Village offers shopping and dining in a laid-back atmosphere.

Casey Key lies just south of Siesta, but has a very different feel. Casey Key is “Old Florida” at its best. A canopy of tropical trees and Australian pines cover the winding road that leads you to luxurious homes, quaint inns, and beautiful beaches.

Manasota Key is the southernmost barrier island and lies off the coast of Englewood. It is home to four wonderful beaches each offering much to do. Two thirds of Manasota Key is in Sarasota County and the South third is in Charlotte County. Manasota Beach boasts 14-acres of sandy dunes along the Gulf of Mexico and offers sheltered tables, barbecue pits, boardwalks, and bathhouse facilities. Blind Pass Beach has over 60 acres of nature trails and is great for fishing and swimming. Englewood Beach has a concession stand, picnic tables, and recreation areas and is located close to local restaurants and shops. Stump Pass Beach is a narrow strip of beach, great for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The north end of Manasota Key offers private homes on one-acre lots.

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

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Nesting on Casey Key, Florida

Here on the pristine beaches of Casey Key, Florida, it’s turtle nesting season and we’re anxiously watching the sands for signs of our familiar loggerhead sea turtles who come back to build their nests and deposit their eggs. Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program staff and volunteers continue to tag and monitor these wonderful creatures, and it’s interesting to watch the satellite tracking of named turtles such as Bitsy, Chemen, Chompy, Ruth, Wham, and more. Visit Casey Key Loggerheads to see the satellite tracking of our “seasonal” aquatic residents on Casey Key.

We have to remember that people and lights from homes can disorient female turtles; so we do our best to keep things quiet and serene if we spot a loggerhead. Once they arrive, the little hatchlings eventually move to sea at night as protection against predators, and they instinctively move toward the lightest sky. Before development, the lightest sky was over the ocean, with moonlight reflecting on the water. We’re doing our best to help the little loggerheads survive by keeping things dark around here at night.

So where do these hatchlings end up? We wondered, too, so we did a little homework. Here’s what we found out:

“During the first year after hatching, many species of sea turtles are rarely seen. This first year is known as the "lost year." Researchers generally agree that most hatchlings spend their first few years living an oceanic existence before appearing in coastal areas. Although the migratory patterns of the young turtles during the first year has long been a puzzle, most researchers believe that they ride prevailing surface currents, situating themselves in floating seaweed where they are can find food.” (From Busch Gardens fun facts.)

Our sea turtle nesting season adds a spectacular natural dimension to living on Casey Key, Florida, where we enjoy the wildness of the Gulf of Mexico, the beauty of the beach and bay, native plants, palm trees, sea breezes, and ever so glorious sunsets.
To make your nest on Casey Key, or simply to buy or sell your Sarasota real estate, call 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group. We have many lovely, luxury properties including several with the famed beach-to-bay access on Casey Key. We can show you anything from Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, and any of the lovely golf course homes in Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, and more.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Sunset Tour of Casey Key Homes for Sale

Broker's Tour Casey Key Homes for Sale on October 30 at Sunset Tour

Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at more than 10 homes for sale on Casey Key this evening. Florida's weather is a little nippy but otherwise perfect, and the sunset is sure to be fabulous! Brokers representing agencies:

McKenna & Associates Inc.
Michael Saunder & Company
Sky Sotheby's International Realty
Premier Properties of SW FL
RE/MAX Alliance Group
Mark P. Riley Luxury International Inc.

are participanting in showcasing Sarasota waterfront properties for sale.

Innovative Agent Services organized the event this year as well as last year for the participating Realtors representing these Casey Key properties.

740 N Casey Key Road Listing Price: $2,985,000
4800 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $1,195,000
3860 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $7,300,000
3206 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $4,995,000
2880 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $4,295,000
1214 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $1,199,000
1208 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $1,199,000
1000 Gulf Winds Way Listing Price: $1,795,000
708 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $1,175,000
321 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $1,165,000
502 S Casey Key Road Listing Price: $2,750,000

Last year's tour was a huge success and all Realtors are invited to stop by the listings and enjoy the tour!

Thanks to all the Realtors in Sarasota who attend for your participation!

If you are searching the web for Casey Key homes for sale, visit the Nick and Kathleen Herron’s site http://www.caseykey-real-estate.com/ for more information. If you would like to see any of these properties please call or email the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance group, Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron 941-350-5035 today!

Casey Key Real Estate Scenes

Casey Key real estate offers sensational photographic opportunities. If you take a drive on Casey Key or better yet a walk, take along your camera and snap something interesting from beachcombers, cyclers, power-walkers, swimmers, herons to fishermen. The topical foliage is fabulous displaying bougainvillea draped estates and magnificent wrought iron custom gates. Some of the smaller beach cottages display mailboxes appropriate to the beach communities: dolphins are the main attraction. Send us your Casey Key shots!

If you are searching for a Casey Key home for sale, or need area information on Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, and Sarasota Florida real estate, give us a call.

Call Nick Herron at 941-350-5035 and ask about our Internet exposure for real estate in Sarasota FL. We provide our customers with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for Casey Key properties. Email Nick with your questions or to ask us for a showing or listing appointment.

Decorate your Casey Key Home with Sea Glass

Casey Key Home - Decorate with Sea Glass

As we pointed out in our previous blog post on Casey Key collecting, an abundance of shells are found on this quiet beach. After a storm, residents and visitors comb the area's selection of seashells and also sea glass. You can find shark's teeth too.

Many Casey Key home residents display their shells, shark's and sea glass in an assortment of containers. These owners have been in their home for years and have quite an array of sea glass. Check out garage sales or flea markets for glass containers for your collections and inexpensively decorate your new Casey Key residence. While you are searching those flea markets for glass containers, keep in mind that Florida's foliage looks fabulous in large glass containers. Pick up a few of those on your excursions too.

Casey Key homes are currently priced $999,000 to $20 million. There are over 40 homes listed in the Sarasota MLS on the Key.

We offer the highest of Internet exposure for Sarasota properties with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for your Casey Key homes.

For a unique searching experience, visit Nick and Kathleen Herron’s site http://www.caseykey-real-estate.com/ for more information. If you would like to see any of these properties please call the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance group, Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron 941-350-5035 for a listing or buying appointment!

Casey Key Florida Island Living

Casey Key Sea Shell Collection

Almost any day on Casey Key, an abundance of shells are found. After a storm, beachcombers are rewarded with even more of a selection to add to their stash. Look carefully for shark's teeth and sea glass too.

At the south end of Casey Key, have a hot dog and wander down to North Jetty Park. There's a large parking lot with plenty of space. Mingle with residents or visitors. Walk on Nokomis Beach or ride your bike up the north end of the Key to see the gorgeous homes and bougainvillea in bloom. Casey Key is a tropical paradise, private and exclusive. You can find a small beach cottage, a Gulf to Bay property with a grandfathered cabana on the beach, or a magnificent estate. There are also some old motels turned condos if you want just a tiny get-away.

Casey Key homes are currently priced $1,300,000 to $20 million. There are over 40 homes listed in the Sarasota MLS on the Key.

You can visit the Herron’s site http://www.caseykey-real-estate.com/ or call Nick Herron about a marketing plan that offers the highest of Internet exposure for Sarasota properties utilizing multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for your Casey Key real estate. Email Kathleen Herron or Nick Herron with your questions or to ask the Herron Group for a buying or listing appointment.

Casey Key Real Estate Listings

Casey Key Waterfront Homes for Sale

Casey Key is such a special place. Not many Florida beach areas offer Gulf front homes as developers razed older homes and built huge condominiums in place of the old Florida beach cottages. A private island located south of Sarasota and Siesta Key but easy driving distances to all the amenities of Sarasota, Florida, Casey Key is a tropical paradise. Residents enjoy biking, fishing and walking on the beach as well as a luxury resort lifestyle.

You can visit Nick and Kathleen Herron’s site http://www.caseykey-real-estate.com/ for more information. If you would like to see any of these properties please call the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance group, Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron 941-350-5035 for Sarasota Waterfront Homes!

Sunset Tour of Casey Key Real Estate

Broker's Tour Casey Key Homes for Sale on November 29

Wine and hors d'oeuvres were served at 13 homes on Casey Key last evening. The Florida weather was perfect and the sunset superb! Brokers representing agencies of Michael Sanders, Premiers Properties of SW FL and RE/MAX Properties were some of the participants showcasing some of the finest Sarasota waterfront properties for sale. Innovative Agent Services organized the event for the participating Casey Key realtors and Sarasota Catering prepared the nibbles. Realtors tossed their business cards into a basket at each home hoping to win one of four prizes: $250 cash award, gift certificate for a dinner for two, gift certificate to Flanagan's Wine Market, as well as a Westfield Southgate gift certificate.

Sarasota real estate presented on Casey Key Sunset Tour:

3860 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $7,300,000
3210 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $2,995,236
3105 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $4,995,000
2821 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $2,800,000
2108 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $3,495,000
1214 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $2,350,000
1143 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $7,900,000
1000 Gulf Winds Way Listing Price: $1,895,000
937 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $4,200,000
912 Casey Cove Drive Listing Price: $2,100,000
721 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $2,995,000
608 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $3,950,000
325 Casey Key Road Listing Price: $1,890,000

The turnout for this event was wonderful, sunsets compliments of 325 Casey Key Road beach house property.

Contact Nick and Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group for all your Casey Key real estate needs. You can visit the Nick and Kathleen Herron’s site http://www.caseykey-real-estate.com/ for more information. If you would like to see any of these properties please call or email Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron 941-350-5035 for an appointment!

Casey Key Real Estate News

Welcome to Casey Key!

Among the fastest appreciating counties in Florida, Sarasota County offers numerous residential options with homes for sale for every lifestyle and price range. You can slip out of bed every morning and view endless sights along Casey Key beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Casey Key is home to beach cottages, gated homes and sprawling mansions.

Enjoy our updates and insights into this quaint coastal community from time to time. If you are thinking of listing your Casey Key property or buying in the area, call Nick Herron. Nick specializes in distinctive properties in Sarasota FL and adjacent barrier island communities including Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key & St. Armands, and Bird Key, as well as downtown Sarasota.