On the Oct. 6th Today Show, Barbara Corcoran a National Real Estate Expert said Sarasota was the top place to buy real estate in the nation today, an opinion shared by Sarasota Board of Realtors and Nick and Kathleen Herron. Barbara listed Sarasota as the number one place in the US to buy a single family or condo in her latest “Hot Market” prognostication. She cited the lower property prices of 30% below last year at the same time combined with a recent price surge of 13% in the last quarter, plus Sarasota’s unique “metropolitan” cultural appeal for boosting the Sarasota area to the top spot.
Click here for a complete Press Release:
The Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron, RE/MAX Alliance Group would love to slow you the values in Sarasota Real Estate. If looking in Sarasota mainland or on one of Sarasota’s Barrier Islands (Casey Key, Manasota Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Bird or Longboat Key. Please give us a call at: 941-350-5035
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Casey Key “Buy a Piece of the Past and Create Your Own Future”
According to records, the first published mention of Casey Key was in a colorful report of a meeting in 1849 of Captain John Charles Casey with the Indians at Casey’s Pass, the site of the present Jetties.
The famous and courageous Captain Casey, although born in England, was appointed to West Point, where he graduated in the same class with General Robert E. Lee in 1829, eventually becoming connected with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This duty took him to most parts of Florida, especially the West Coast, during the efforts of the Government to drive out the Indians. In retrospect not an admirable action, but at the time, considered justified and a matter of duty.
In 1856 a costal map from Tampa south was formulated mostly from Captain Casey’s detailed notes and sketches, which proved to be amazingly accurate and perhaps responsible for the Key having been named after him.
Casey Key remained a garden spot with wild game and fish in abundance. It was the latter that lured the first settlers from Osprey, across the bay to the Key. Like most of the first fine families who had land grants up and down the mainland coast across from the Key, they were excellent fishermen. Casey Key is grateful for its few remaining old homes.
From then on the Key’s growth was gradual and healthy: friends of friends coming to share the lush, tropical green foliage and the white sand of the unspoiled beaches. About 1917, a resident of the Key attempted to promote a real estate development by changing the name Casey Key to Treasure Island. As an enterprise it failed, but resulted in quite q bit of good-natured feudin’ and figtin’—“Casey Key” versus “Treasure Island”—in later years, as the nom de plume lingered on.
In September, 1921, a terrific hurricane arbitrarily gave approximately two-and-one-half-miles of north Casey Key to Siesta Key by moving the then existing pass just south of Point of Rocks to its present location where it is said, Nature, at midnight, with its frightening force, finally finished. This geographic change started a series of still unsettled litigations between the two Keys as to whose land was where and who owned what.
At the south end of the Key the story was different. Because of the shifting sands of Casey’s Pass, there was more portage than navigation, so some energetic citizens in that part of Venice known as Higelville, along with interested people from Laurel and Nokomis, successfully dug a channel to the Gulf with manpower alone. It was not until the Thirties that the Army Corps of Engineers built the first Jetties.
The Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron have four properties that were built back in the 1940’s. All are on very different locations on the Key. Three are Gulf front properties and one is Gulf to Bay.
Our newest listing is 615 Casey Key Road a Gulf Front home that was built for the Grandmother( who has passed away) as a wedding gift and has been in the family for over sixty years.
The Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron would love to show you some of the Casey Key history. As we say, “Buy a Piece of the Past and Create Your Own Future”.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream
The famous and courageous Captain Casey, although born in England, was appointed to West Point, where he graduated in the same class with General Robert E. Lee in 1829, eventually becoming connected with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This duty took him to most parts of Florida, especially the West Coast, during the efforts of the Government to drive out the Indians. In retrospect not an admirable action, but at the time, considered justified and a matter of duty.
In 1856 a costal map from Tampa south was formulated mostly from Captain Casey’s detailed notes and sketches, which proved to be amazingly accurate and perhaps responsible for the Key having been named after him.
Casey Key remained a garden spot with wild game and fish in abundance. It was the latter that lured the first settlers from Osprey, across the bay to the Key. Like most of the first fine families who had land grants up and down the mainland coast across from the Key, they were excellent fishermen. Casey Key is grateful for its few remaining old homes.
From then on the Key’s growth was gradual and healthy: friends of friends coming to share the lush, tropical green foliage and the white sand of the unspoiled beaches. About 1917, a resident of the Key attempted to promote a real estate development by changing the name Casey Key to Treasure Island. As an enterprise it failed, but resulted in quite q bit of good-natured feudin’ and figtin’—“Casey Key” versus “Treasure Island”—in later years, as the nom de plume lingered on.
In September, 1921, a terrific hurricane arbitrarily gave approximately two-and-one-half-miles of north Casey Key to Siesta Key by moving the then existing pass just south of Point of Rocks to its present location where it is said, Nature, at midnight, with its frightening force, finally finished. This geographic change started a series of still unsettled litigations between the two Keys as to whose land was where and who owned what.
At the south end of the Key the story was different. Because of the shifting sands of Casey’s Pass, there was more portage than navigation, so some energetic citizens in that part of Venice known as Higelville, along with interested people from Laurel and Nokomis, successfully dug a channel to the Gulf with manpower alone. It was not until the Thirties that the Army Corps of Engineers built the first Jetties.
The Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron have four properties that were built back in the 1940’s. All are on very different locations on the Key. Three are Gulf front properties and one is Gulf to Bay.
Our newest listing is 615 Casey Key Road a Gulf Front home that was built for the Grandmother( who has passed away) as a wedding gift and has been in the family for over sixty years.
The Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron would love to show you some of the Casey Key history. As we say, “Buy a Piece of the Past and Create Your Own Future”.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Snook Season is Upon Us

We mentioned in our post on our other Casey Key Blog: http://caseykey-real-estate.blogspot.com/ about the fantastic fishing opportunities in the Sarasota area being one of the many reasons to relocate here. Well one of those opportunities has just begun: Snook season just started on Tuesday, September 1st.
Snook are one of Florida’s most sought after game fish. Also known as “linesiders”, they are easily identified by their distinct lateral line along their sides. They can reach lengths up to 4 feet and can weigh more than 50 pounds. Snook are highly regarded as one of the top eating fish in Florida. But you will not find them on restaurant menus…it is illegal to buy and sell Snook.
If you want to eat Snook, you have to catch it yourself, or have a good neighbor. My former neighbor on Casey Key Kenny Reutlinger (who has now passed away) would go fishing off his dock at two or three in the AM. He would be knocking on my door the next morning with plate in hand with a Snook all prepared and ready to go in the oven. Now that is the way I like to fish for Snook.
Snook can be a hard fish to catch. You need to use a long leader, because once hooked they will turn fast and cut your line. Snook prefer shrimp and come around the docks looking for shrimp especially when your Snook light is attracting shrimp and other bait fish at night. The Herron Group has two listings for wonderful Snook fishing. One is 2108 Casey Key it is a Gulf to Bay property on Casey Key with good boating water. The other is 7785 Manasota Key which is a Bay Front on Manasota Key. It has a large covered dock and open slip. Both properties have a Snook light.
The Snook Foundation, founded by William R. Mote of Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, provides excellent information on regulations, conservation, and events in the area, including the Kids Fishing Clinic and The Snook Shindig.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Lido Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, and Island of Venice, or mainland Country Club. Call 941.350.5035.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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
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
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been at the center of the City of Sarasota’s dynamic performing arts scene for over 35 years. Built along the bayfront in 1968 and partly funded by a bequest from Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel, the hall brings a wide range of first-class performances and artists to the Sarasota community.
The hall opened its doors in 1970 with a performance of Fiddler on the Roof. Since then, a host of Broadway shows, world-class symphony orchestras, top national and international performers, and an array of dance troupes have performed to meet the theatrical needs of Sarasota’s residents and visitors.
The Van Wezel’s unique design and color have helped in making the building a Sarasota landmark. The seashell design was the brainchild of William Wesley Peters, an architect with Taliesin Associated Architects of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the lavender and purple color scheme was the idea of Wright’s widow, Olgivanna Lloyd Wright. The 1,736-seat hall also offers a spectacular dining opportunity at Michael’s at the Van Wezel, the delectable cuisine of Michael’s on the East in a fabulous dinner buffet.
There are still many great shows to catch in the 2009 season, including Kathy Griffin Live (appearing Aug. 14th), Camelot, Avenue Q, and the Moscow Ballet performing The Nutcracker, and the 2010 season has a wonderful calendar already booked.
The Van Wezel is located along Sarasota’s beautiful Bayfront and easily accessible from any of the Downtown Sarasota Condos or barrier islands.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key or Manasota Key. Call 941.350.5035.
The hall opened its doors in 1970 with a performance of Fiddler on the Roof. Since then, a host of Broadway shows, world-class symphony orchestras, top national and international performers, and an array of dance troupes have performed to meet the theatrical needs of Sarasota’s residents and visitors.
The Van Wezel’s unique design and color have helped in making the building a Sarasota landmark. The seashell design was the brainchild of William Wesley Peters, an architect with Taliesin Associated Architects of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the lavender and purple color scheme was the idea of Wright’s widow, Olgivanna Lloyd Wright. The 1,736-seat hall also offers a spectacular dining opportunity at Michael’s at the Van Wezel, the delectable cuisine of Michael’s on the East in a fabulous dinner buffet.
There are still many great shows to catch in the 2009 season, including Kathy Griffin Live (appearing Aug. 14th), Camelot, Avenue Q, and the Moscow Ballet performing The Nutcracker, and the 2010 season has a wonderful calendar already booked.
The Van Wezel is located along Sarasota’s beautiful Bayfront and easily accessible from any of the Downtown Sarasota Condos or barrier islands.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key or Manasota Key. Call 941.350.5035.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Golden Apple Dinner Theater “Always a Good Dinner, Always a Good Show”

Located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, the Golden Apple Dinner Theater has been providing top-notch dining and entertainment to our area since 1971. It is the longest-running, continually operating, professional dinner theater in America. The horse-shoe shaped theater seats 281 guests and serves a delicious buffet dinner before presenting an entertaining production on its 704 square-foot stage.
In its 38 years of business, the Golden Apple has produced over 300 plays and musicals, including 5 original plays (one of which went to Broadway). The plays and musicals presented have been seen worldwide on stages in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Ontario, and Hong Kong - to name a few.
The buffet dinner is just as popular as the shows. With selections such as Carved Prime Rib, Roast Loin of Pork, chicken dishes, vegetarian dishes, a salad bar, and a selection of desserts along with a full service bar offering mixed drinks, beer, and wine, there is something to satisfy everyone’s delight.
The Golden Apple Dinner Theater is right over the Ringling Bridge from Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key in the heart of Historic Downtown Sarasota.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key. Call 941.350.5035.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream
In its 38 years of business, the Golden Apple has produced over 300 plays and musicals, including 5 original plays (one of which went to Broadway). The plays and musicals presented have been seen worldwide on stages in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Ontario, and Hong Kong - to name a few.
The buffet dinner is just as popular as the shows. With selections such as Carved Prime Rib, Roast Loin of Pork, chicken dishes, vegetarian dishes, a salad bar, and a selection of desserts along with a full service bar offering mixed drinks, beer, and wine, there is something to satisfy everyone’s delight.
The Golden Apple Dinner Theater is right over the Ringling Bridge from Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key in the heart of Historic Downtown Sarasota.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key. Call 941.350.5035.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
