2014 - Motorcycling along Casey Key Florida

March 20 - From quaint to extravagant… 

Casey Key - Nokomis Florida

I chose our motorcycle tour to Casey Key after I did a little research on the history of how it came to be. The rich history of its past and the descriptions of a quaint beachfront community had got me intrigued to experience a ride through it for myself. (Not all by myself, my other half was happy to accompany me J  ) 



Across from the quaint mainland town of Nokomis you will find the enchanting Casey Key in Florida

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History of Casey Key
It was in 1849 that Army Captain Charles Casey arrived to move the Seminole Indians, who were the original inhabitants, off the island. Over the next sixteen years he assisted with mapping and surveying the surrounding coastal area. From what I have read, it was either a mistake or it was because of his involvement with mapping the area that the name changed from Chaise’s Key to Casey Key back in 1865 when the map was published. (Personally, I think it was probably the latter – guess it all depends on how you perceive it J )

Treasure Island Bridge

After the Civil War settlers arrived on Casey Key in Florida’s land boom of the 1920’s. At that time a savvy real estate developer changed the island’s name to Treasure Island in order to enhance the sale of properties and spread rumours that treasure was buried on the island. However, the existing settlers would not allow their beloved island to have the name changed. (Probably more to keep out the fortune hunters, can’t blame them J) In 1923 on the north end of the island a one-lane rotating swing bridge was built and named Treasure Island Bridge (I guess that developer got one small victory J)


Over the years the joint efforts of the residents and small businesses of Casey Key have preserved the beachfront community feel and charm of this island. (And its name) Later in the early 1970’s, the Florida State Legislature designated it as a conservation area.

At 10:15 am the fog was still heavy in the air, its cool damp mist penetrating into my bones. The weatherman had assured me that it was to be a beautiful day. (I put a lot of faith in him this morning! – he eventually didn’t let me down J)  We started up the bikes and pulled out.

Once we finally got out of Fort Myers we took a much needed break at the Prairie Pines Preserve on 41 (okay, probably more me needing the break – it gave me a chance to warm up a bit, and clean the faint mist that had formed on my sunglasses. J ) We then continued on with our 2-hour excursion along the sometimes very congested Tamiami Trail (41).


There are two ways to access the narrow
900 feet wide, 8-mile long island of Casey Key. Coming in from the South along 41 (Tamiami Trail) we took Albee Road. 

As we drove across the Blackburn Point Bridge we passed one of two public beaches. North Jetty Park; it spans the tip of Casey Key from the Intra-coastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Nokomis Beach sits on the opposite end of the island and also offers a boat launch along with a restaurant called the Casey Key Fish House among other water toys that might strike your fancy.


Turning right we headed north to travel the length of Casey Key. The island has majestic views that sporadically peaked from between the massive mansions that dominated each side of the street. (What happened to the quaint beachfront community I read about?)

You definitely feel like you are among the rich and famous, and actually you are, I heard that Stephen King the master of Horror stories lives here part of the year. – by the way, one of my favourite authors J (Strange, I never did see him; maybe he was laying on the beach when we went by…)

Hiding behind thick wrought iron gates and concrete walls are luxurious over-sized mammoths that tower over the more modest of dwellings. Despite this, there was just a reminiscent feeling of the laid back atmosphere of a beach community by the spattering of much older beach cottages that were struggling to co-exist. (I am sure in a few years those little “beach shacks” of yesteryear will fade with the morning mist). I started to think that the executive style of homes here would definitely put some of the competing island homes of Marco and Sanibel to shame. (Now I know why so many people wanted to change the name to Treasure Island over the years – you would need one to be able to afford a home here!)

Could this be Stephen Kings mansion??? 

Naw, not gloomy enough :)

There was one little road that veered off to the left at the southern end of the island; so adventurous as we are, we took the road less travelled. The road narrowed, barley large enough for two cars (lucky we were on motorbikes J) and signs were posted every 500 feet or so to proclaim how much further until the public road ended. I got the feeling the ultra wealthy lived on this end. As we meandered along, the mansions turned into colossal estates with some spreading their grandeur onto the opposite side of the road.  



There was a stark contrast of architecture
from the classic colonial style, which gave an air of sophistication and a nod to the history of its tranquil surroundings to the ultra modern concrete glass cube, which looked as out of place as a fish in a sand box. (Obviously my opinion J)

directly across from the house

Before the last sign warned us not to go any further, the claustrophobic line of mansions gave way to a breathtaking view of the gulf. Birds perched on weather beaten dock pilings, awaiting the opportunity for their next meal. The teal ocean melded into the horizon; allowing you to loose yourself in a gaze. 

As the foaming waves pounded the shore, a lone sandpiper scoured the beach - I finally found the majestic beauty of the island I was looking for!






Most of the ride through Casey Key felt like we were on a tour for the ‘Homes of the Rich and Famous’. However, one cannot help but to be enchanted by the natural beauty that Casey Key has as you make your way through the narrow winding road and catch glimpses of the exquisite wildlife co-existing amongst the stately homes with their incredible captivating albeit private scenic views. 

We ended up making it back to the house at 5:10 pm and I promptly poured myself a drink 
(Of course it was of the alcohol variety J ) and flopped on the couch.
Another great day in paradise…

Acknowledgements while researching the history of Casey Key 
Visit Sarasota 
Dwelling well 
Casey Key Real estate 

Buy Sarasota