Bird Key

Bird Key

In 1959 Arvida Realty, Inc. purchased John Ringling (of Ringling Bros Circus) Interests’ holdings on the key with plans to fill in Bird Key Sarasota Florida allowing for 511 lots, 291 water-fronts and 220 off-water sites. This would be the luxury place to live in Sarasota. One unique feature of the development would be an underground electric utility system, consisting of nearly 146 miles of electrical cable. By building standards in 1959, this utility system was ahead of its time. Arvida began to promote Bird Key heavily by the use of newspapers and the media. One example of these ads in the following that appeared on January 17, 1960, in the Herald-Tribune: “Who hasn’t dreamed of living on a tropical island? Where the climate is always mild, where the beauty is everywhere, where silence is broken on by the rustling of the palms and the sound of the sea as it washes the shore. All of this is yours on beautiful Bird Key, set like a jewel in the waters of Sarasota Bay.” This oasis of an island remains tranquil and elegant to this day and is home to many, including Jerry Springer, Brian Johnson (AC/DC) and tennis star Martina Navratalova

Just across the street from the Bird Key Sarasota Florida entrance is Bird Key Park. This park is a popular location to fish, bike, enjoy the sunset, launch a canoe or kayak or walk your leashed pet. Located just before you exit the south side of the John Ringling Causeway. It also has two pavilions, with picnic tables, and a public restroom. Park is open 5 a.m. – 11 p.m., daily. Owned and operated by the City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District.

Bird Key Sarasota Florida remains one of downtown Sarasota’s most affluent residential communities containing single family homes which enjoy some spectacular Sarasota Bay views.