Discover a Sense of Place: Longboat Key
Long before the barrier island became a popular tourist destination, Longboat Key was home to great blue herons, dolphins, and sea turtles, visited occasionally by Native Americans, pirates, and Spanish explorers. Legend has it that the island received its name from the long boats left by the native population when they fled the feared Spanish. The island remained largely uninhabited until local fishermen built the first bungalows in the early 1900s. Following World War II, Longboat Key was discovered as a respite and escape for those from colder climates. Today it continues to enjoy a stellar reputation for beautiful beaches and local diversions, becoming a favorite destination for travelers from around the globe as well as residents of nearby Sarasota.