Manasota Key is a charming barrier island just north of Charlotte Harbor and west of Englewood. A truly unspoiled location, the island has no high-rises and no stop lights – just a two-lane road and miles of beautiful coastline.

The main focal point of life on the Key is the pristine coastline. Residents and visitors spend mornings and afternoons relaxing by the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The area is home to various shells and shark teeth, and searching for rare finds among them has become a favorite pastime. In the evenings, the shore is lined with spectators for a magnificent concert of colors provided by the breathtaking sunset.

There are wonderful boutiques, cafes and restaurants, as well as a thriving art community of various styles and mediums. The small town charm mixes with the tropical island atmosphere to create a place unlike any other, and an active community calendar includes art shows, seafood festivals, fishing competitions, boat races and fireworks.

Living opportunities vary from one end of the island to the other. The south end has low-rise condominiums and apartments, while the north end is host to single-family homes on one-acre lots. Lush, tropical foliage can be found throughout the island’s pristine natural habitats and along the well-manicured neighborhood streets.

Contributed by: Michael Saunders & Company