Why is this magical place called Casey Key? Well, it started 150 years ago when the island was known as "Chaise's Key." In 1849, U.S. Army Captain John Charles Casey came to the Florida Gulf Coast. He was assigned to remove the Seminole Indians from the area. During Casey's years in the area he assisted in the original coast survey for the U.S. government. This resulted in his name first appearing on the map, attached to the inlet just south of the island, now known as the Venice Inlet. It was then known as Casey's Pass. In 1856, the map of Florida was revised, changing Chaise's Key to Casey Key. As for Casey, he was able to restore the faith of the Seminole Indian leaders, and quiet the frontier uprisings that had plagued the area for many years.
In the 1920's, an enterprising real estate developer successfully changed the name to "Treasure Island" during the Florida land boom. He thought it would help sell lots, and there were rumors associated with the name change concerning actual treasure found at the northern end of the key. After the land boom went bust, the name reverted back to Casey Key. Incidentally, the maps of the day showed only Manatee County. Sarasota County was formed from a section of Manatee County on May 14, 1921.
The sole commercialism consists of a few older beach motels that are "grandfathered" under prior zoning. There are no hi-rises or traffic jams. Amazingly, the key will remain this way due to current zoning restrictions, and the fact that the majority of the island is a conservation district, established in the early 1970's by the Florida State Legislature. There are two bridges providing access to the key, including an old "swing bridge" dating back to the 1920's. A majority of the island is less than 300 yards wide, with the beaches along the Gulf on the west and Little Sarasota Bay on the east. At the south end is the Venice Inlet, providing ready access to the Gulf. Ground elevations on Casey Key are generally favorable (i.e. higher) than most barrier islands, which is highly beneficial to its homeowners.
Casey Key residents get to enjoy the beaches and boating opportunities, as well as the unsurpassed sunset views over the Gulf. Living on the key provides an island atmosphere and lifestyle, yet the amenities we all enjoy like major grocery stores, drug stores, and department stores are just minutes away. In addition, top restaurants, golfing and tennis are nearby. Add to all this the many cultural and sports activities available in Sarasota, often called the "cultural capital" of Florida, and you can easily see why this is a such a great place to live .
