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Sarasota

Longboat Key, Sarasota Neighborhood

West of I-75 offers a peaceful residential atmosphere with over 250 nearby green spaces like Buchan Airport Community Park/Kiwanis Park and Miss Sarasota Softball Complex for relaxation and outdoor activities. The neighborhood features primarily single detached homes built around 1984, with a variety of two and three-bedroom options suited to diverse needs. Residents have access to more than 250 supermarkets and multiple dining choices within a reasonable distance. Educational opportunities include both public and private primary and secondary schools. While the area has limited cycling infrastructure, bus lines conveniently pass through, ensuring some public transportation options are available. Parking in the neighborhood is generally very easy.

People who prefer a calm environment will enjoy West of I-75. There are over 250 green spaces close by for residents to relax in, including Scherer Thaxton Preserve and Alligator Creek Conservation and Recreation Area, making them easy to reach. The noise levels in this part of North Port are also very low, as the streets are generally very calm.

Highlights of Longboat Key

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Joan M. Durante Park

This beautiful bayfront park along Gulf of Mexico Drive offers scenic walking trails, lush native landscaping, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a tranquil oasis for residents and visitors to enjoy birdwatching, family gatherings, and peaceful sunsets right in the heart of Longboat Key.

🏫 Longboat Key Education Center

Located on Gulf of Mexico Drive, this adult education center provides a diverse selection of classes, lectures, and cultural enrichment opportunities, serving as a hub for lifelong learning, art appreciation, and community programs tailored to local residents.

🍽️ Harry’s Continental Kitchens

A beloved local dining spot on St. Judes Drive, Harry’s is famous for its gourmet breakfasts, creative lunch and dinner menus, and bakery, offering both indoor and garden seating, and exemplifying Longboat Key’s laid-back yet upscale coastal dining scene.

🛒 Centre Shops of Longboat Key

Centrally located on Gulf of Mexico Drive, this quaint shopping plaza features boutique stores, cafes, and essential services, making it a go-to spot for locals in search of daily necessities, gifts, and casual dining, all within a charming island setting.

🚴 Longboat Key Bike Path

Running nearly the length of the island along Gulf of Mexico Drive, this dedicated bike and pedestrian path is a favorite for jogging, cycling, and scenic strolls, providing a safe and picturesque way to explore Longboat Key from end to end.

A Sarasota Neighborhood

This August in Longboat Key

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

July 26 – August 8, 2026

Summer Circus Spectacular

The Ringling, Sarasota

A vibrant circus experience just minutes from Longboat Key, offering family-friendly performances that blend art, acrobatics, and local cultural flair—perfect for a memorable Gulf Coast outing.

July 26 – August 16, 2026

The Last Romance (Florida Studio Theatre)

Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota

A charming theatrical production running through mid‑August, offering local residents an enriching evening of live drama and connection to the Sarasota arts scene.

August 1–2, 2026

Loomis Bros. Circus

Sarasota Fairgrounds

A nostalgic, big‑top circus experience at the Fairgrounds, just a short drive away—great for families seeking classic entertainment under the big tent.

August 9, 2026 (and recurring Thurs, Fri, Sun throughout month)

Newtown Farmers Market

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Sarasota • 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

A local farmers market offering fresh produce and artisan goods regularly through August, easily accessible for Longboat Key residents looking to shop locally and support community vendors.

August 12, 2026

Manga Drawing Workshop

Gulf Gate Library • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

A hands‑on creative session for teens to learn manga art techniques at a nearby library—great for families seeking engaging skill‑building activities.

August 12, 2026

Hurricane Preparedness with Sarasota County Emergency Management

Elsie Quirk Library • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

An informative public session to help residents prepare smartly for hurricane season—valuable and practical for those living in the Longboat Key area.

From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Longboat Key

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Longboat Key

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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