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Manasota Key, A Natural Choice By Catherine Seress

Manasota Key, A Natural Choice

By Catherine Seress

Dawn on a misty May morning and I cannot sleep. I roll out of bed, determined to go walk the beach in the early morning light and look for shark’s teeth. Instead of choosing Manasota Beach, closest to my house, I choose Blind Pass, halfway down the Key and the middle of the 3 Manasota Key public beaches. I had heard recently that Blind Pass was the best for shark’s teeth.

I don’t find shark’s teeth; instead I find Fred from Maine, a member of the Mangrove Coast fly fishing group, out there casting into the surf. We chat and I watch him pull in 2 ladyfish and a grunt on his barbless hook.

Manasota Key, Sarasota’s most southern key, is shared by Charlotte and Sarasota counties, the line being roughly 2/3 the way south from the northern end. On the most northern tip, you have an exclusive enclave behind gates, a wonderful mixed batch of architecture, age, and beach-to-bay or one or the other. Then comes Manasota Beach and the community boat ramp that sits just west of the intracoastal drawbridge, where everyone puts their boat in. It is a wonderful place, especially if you want to get out to the Gulf which is quick and easy through the southern end Stump Pass. It’s also a place where my son and I did see not only courting manatees, but on another occasion, a mother manatee and her calf. There is also a regularly visiting dolphin who will do tricks for you while you stand upon the bridge.

South of Manasota Beach, underneath the canopied roads, you find many extraordinary residences, most tucked neatly behind established groves of trees. Cruise along at the appropriate 25 mph on this residential Key, and you will come across the residents of the Key, cycling, jogging, and briskly walking.

Homes on the Key date from the 1950s and if you are a fan of classic beach architecture, you can find some impeccable older properties nestled in the dunes and sea oats. You can also find many more recently built, modern style properties with expansive balconies to make the most of barrier island life. Just about every age and taste is catered for in terms of a unique beach or bay home.

Residential and exclusive without being reclusive, Manasota Key offers quiet enjoyment of island living in Sarasota County. It has 15 miles of beaches along the Gulf, a lower millage rate than other barrier islands in the county and a historical reputation for nudity.

June. My son is out of school and I have cabin fever. I go down to the Manasota Beach Club, a once naturist resort, and talk with Sydney Crampton, 2nd generation owner / manager. Nestled within a grove of old oaks and Spanish moss, the Manasota Beach Club is a classic treasure – croquet, tennis, swimming, and incredibly wonderful historic guest cottages, all on the beautiful sands of the Key. You can also take art classes, T’ai chi and yoga here. Aware of the hotel’s reputation as a “naturist” resort, when Mr. Crampton came to purchase the hotel in 1961 he was greatly relieved to see that it was already entirely fitted out with wicker furniture.

Another day, I promise myself to get down and investigate the Hermitage Artist Retreat, another collection of classic Florida beach cottages that have been renovated and restored to create a residential retreat space for artists from all callings. It has taken many years and many people’s passion, interest, courage and fortitude to make the reality of the Hermitage Artist Retreat complete. And … of course .. once upon a time, this resort, too, was advertised for the “naturist.”

December. Midnight and I cannot sleep. I walk down the beach under the full moonlight. Just me, the surf and the long shadows I cast in the blue glow.

For people looking for a less urbanized feel to their coastal living style, Manasota Key is a natural choice.

Catherine Seress is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. Manasota Key is one of the many locations she represents. Catherine may be contacted at (941) 928.1187 or sarasota1realtor@gmail.com.

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