Casey Key, Florida Sarasota County's most private barrier island — fewer than 500 residents, no commercial development Casey Key — At a Glance Key Facts About Casey Key, Sarasota County Sarasota County, Florida Location Between Nokomis and Osprey — south of Sarasota, north of Venice Population Fewer than 500 year-round residents Island Character Narrow barrier island — single main road, no commercial development Access One main road — most private barrier island in Sarasota County To Sarasota ~20 min drive to downtown Sarasota Notable Resident Stephen King — longtime Casey Key homeowner Property Types Gulf-front mansions, bay-front homes, beach bungalows, a small number of condos Casey Key is the most private barrier island in Sarasota County — fewer than 500 year-round residents, no commercial development, and a single main road make it genuinely secluded in a way that no other Sarasota island achieves. Located between Nokomis and Osprey, it sits south of Siesta Key and north of Venice, with Gulf-front and bay-front properties that rarely reach public listing. It is the destination for buyers who have already considered Longboat Key and Bird Key and want something more remote. Stephen King has been a notable longtime resident. Casey Key Real Estate Casey Key Properties Rarely Reach Public Listing With fewer than 500 residents and no new development land available, Casey Key's inventory is permanently constrained. The best Gulf-front and bay-front properties trade privately between buyers and their advisors. Roger Pettingell has extensive relationships across Casey Key and provides qualified buyers with access before properties reach the MLS — if they ever do. Contact Roger Pettingell View Casey Key Listings What to Love About Casey Key Gulf-front and bay-front living with no tourist traffic Fewer than 500 year-round residents — true seclusion No commercial development — preserved natural environment Historic mansions alongside modern luxury estates Easy access to Sarasota (~20 min to downtown) Moderate Gulf Coast climate year-round North Jetty Park — fishing, hiking, wildlife Casey Key Marina & Yacht Club for boaters People & Lifestyle Casey Key is as exclusive as Sarasota gets — not because of gates or membership requirements, but because of its fundamental geography. A single main road, no through traffic, fewer than 500 year-round residents, and zero commercial development combine to create an environment that cannot be replicated elsewhere in the region. Residents include retirees seeking absolute privacy, remote professionals with significant waterfront estates, and second-home buyers who find Longboat Key or Siesta Key too active for what they want. The residential character spans historic waterfront mansions with significant architectural history, well-styled modern luxury homes on Gulf-front parcels, and a small number of condominiums. Author Stephen King has been a notable longtime resident — a fact that reflects the island's appeal to buyers who value anonymity, natural beauty, and complete removal from tourist activity. North Jetty Park is the primary outdoor anchor, popular for fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking in a setting that retains its natural character. Dining & Entertainment Casey Key's dining is intentionally limited — which is part of the point. The handful of restaurants that exist here have strong local followings: Casey Key Fish House — Waterfront tiki bar with boat, kayak, and jet ski rentals. Drive your boat directly to the dock. Every seat overlooks the water; moderately priced fresh seafood. Pelican Alley (Nokomis) — Originally built as a fish camp in the early 1900s. Known for seafood chowder, local lore, and live music on Friday nights. A Nokomis institution with genuine character. The Breakfast Cottage — Quaint building with a broad patio; the best breakfast and lunch option near the island for residents who want to stay local. Pop's Sunset Grill — Laid-back waterfront eatery with sandwiches, burgers, and seafood classics. Strong sunset views. For broader dining variety, most Casey Key residents make the 20-minute drive to Sarasota's restaurant districts or Venice's downtown corridor. Things to Do Casey Key's activities center on water, nature, and the kind of outdoor recreation that doesn't require crowds: North Jetty Park — Watch boats pass through the channel, fish from the pier, hike coastal trails, and observe local wildlife. One of the most popular parks in south Sarasota County for residents who want genuine natural access. Caspersen Beach — Known for shark tooth hunting along the shoreline, one of the few Florida beaches where fossilized shark teeth wash up regularly. Oscar Scherer State Park — Near Osprey, featuring the Legacy Trail, beaches, boating, canoeing, fishing, snorkeling, and swimming. Nesting bald eagles in winter. A natural oasis surrounded by development. Casey Key Marina & Yacht Club — Extensive marina services for boat owners, with high-end equipment and full staff support. Nearby beaches — Lido Key and Siesta Key (#1 US beach) are both accessible within a short drive. Frequently Asked Questions About Casey Key Where is Casey Key, Florida? Casey Key is a narrow barrier island in Sarasota County, Florida, located between Nokomis and Osprey — south of Siesta Key and north of Venice. It sits on the Gulf of Mexico, connected to the mainland via a single main road. The island is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota by car and approximately 15 minutes from Venice. How many people live on Casey Key? Casey Key has fewer than 500 year-round residents, making it one of the least populated barrier islands on Florida's Gulf Coast. The population fluctuates with seasonal homeowners, but the permanent community is very small. There is no commercial development on the island — no hotels, no chain restaurants, no retail. This is by design and is the primary driver of the island's appeal to privacy-seeking buyers. Is Casey Key expensive? Yes — Casey Key is one of Sarasota County's most expensive real estate markets, driven by permanently constrained supply (limited parcels, no developable land remaining), strong demand from high-net-worth buyers seeking maximum privacy, and Gulf-front and bay-front positions that are genuinely irreplaceable. Properties here rarely reach public listing and typically trade at prices that reflect the scarcity premium. Gulf-front estates on the island are among the most expensive residential real estate in Sarasota County. Does Stephen King live on Casey Key? Yes — Stephen King has been a longtime homeowner on Casey Key. His presence on the island reflects its appeal to buyers who prioritize privacy, natural beauty, and complete removal from tourist activity. Casey Key's limited access and tiny permanent population make it one of the few Florida Gulf Coast communities where genuine anonymity is achievable for high-profile residents. How far is Casey Key from Sarasota? Casey Key is approximately 15–20 miles south of downtown Sarasota — roughly a 20-minute drive in normal traffic via US-41. The island is also approximately 10–15 minutes north of downtown Venice. Most Casey Key residents treat both Sarasota and Venice as convenient service and dining destinations, with Sarasota offering the broader cultural and culinary range. Related Bird Key — Sarasota Island Guide Longboat Key Neighborhood Guide Siesta Key Neighborhood Guide Best Sarasota Neighborhoods for Retirees Interested in Casey Key? The best Casey Key properties never reach the MLS. Roger Pettingell has extensive relationships across the island and provides qualified buyers with private access before — or instead of — public listing. Contact Roger Pettingell