Thousands of years ago when the Paleo-Calusa Indians lived, hunted and fished in the area, Lido Key was a much different place than today. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that other settlers began to discover its myriad beauty, utilizing the land, for the most part, for fishing and camping. In 1917, John Ringling purchased Lido and the surrounding keys and began to develop the area, including what is now known as St. Armands Circle. The history of Lido Key wouldn’t be complete, though, without the telling of how the famous St. Armands Circle with over 130 high-end boutiques and fine dining opportunities came to be.
Charles St. Armand was a Frenchman who purchased the key in 1893 for $21.71. Due to a misspelling on the land deeds, the area has been known as St Armands for more than 100 years. When the key changed hands to John Ringling, his vision of a circular shopping area, surrounded by a residential real estate community eventually crystallized into the current layout. As the owner of “The Greatest Show on Earth,” as the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus is known, Ringling had an inexhaustible workforce during the off-season. Keeping them gainfully employed was to his and their mutual benefit, so work on the area began by dredging canals, building seawalls, and building the roads of St Armands Circle. In 1925 construction began on the original causeway that linked St Armands to the city of Sarasota but as the economy waned and the bridge fell into disrepair, Ringling gifted it to the city of Sarasota, as he could no longer afford to maintain it.
Today St. Armands Circle is just one addition to the paradise finally realized by John Ringling decades ago. Lido also offers a brilliant 100 acres of Australian pines on the south end of the key. On the bay side, individual picnic plots with grills and tables provide the perfect afternoon under the sun. Mid-key is the Lido Key Public Beach with ample parking, grills and concessions, while the north end is a more private half-mile stretch of beach, perfect for a quiet walk supplemented by a beautiful Florida sunset.
With so many amenities on this magnificent island, you’ll probably wonder if there’s ever a need to leave, but there’s plenty to do on the mainland as well. Dining experiences could include a night at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton hotel just over the Ringling Causeway or at any one of the restaurants lining the charming streets of downtown Sarasota. For an unforgettable night, you could go to the Bijou Café for a preshow drink and food, followed by a world-renowned production at the The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Some other entertainment venues enjoyed by locals are the Asolo Theater, the Florida Studio Theater or the Opera House, offering critically acclaimed performances. Other notable fine dining in the area includes the Chart House and Columbia, the latter having opened its doors in 1959, making it one of Sarasota’s most well-established and beloved restaurants.
Sarasota also offers a diverse music scene ranging from pop to classical to blues and jazz, played at any number of the live venues downtown or around town or one of the numerous music festivals such as the Sarasota Blues Festival, the Sarasota Jazz Festival, or the Sarasota Music Festival, to name a couple. Outdoor and sporting opportunities in the area include the beautiful beaches, golfing at nearby Longboat Key Club (with a purchased membership), cycling, and walking. Lido also hosts numerous 5K races and triathlons as well as the annual Offshore Grand Prix, conveniently held directly in front of Lido Beach.
All this and more awaits you at your new home on this enchanting island. So apply plenty of sunscreen, relax on the beach, soak up the sun and prepare for the experience of a lifetime amidst one of the most exciting places to live in Sarasota. Whether you’re buying as an investment, relocating permanently or looking for a winter retreat Lido Key has you covered, proving at every turn that you needn’t look further for your piece of paradise.
Contact Jaime Carrion - Sarasota Realtor at 941-928-8892 if you would like to buy a home or condo on Lido Key or with any questions you may have. Search other Sarasota areas.
Jaime Carrion - Sarasota Realtor
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