2026

Most people driving through Sarasota County have no idea Casey Key exists. It gently sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway - a narrow barrier island with no traffic lights, no chain restaurants, and barely any large-scale commercial development. And that is precisely the point. Casey Key is about 8 miles long and less than a quarter mile wide at most points. The beaches here are...

Owning a vacation rental in Florida can feel exciting, but the returns you get often depend on how well you adapt to the market. Recent data from the University of Florida’s Shimberg Center shows just how much things have shifted: the state’s median rent has climbed from about $1,238 to $1,719 over the last few years. That rise is not just a number - it reflects stronger demand, tighter supply, and...

Bradenton has that “old Florida” feel people talk about but rarely find anymore - palm-lined streets, a walkable downtown, and days that move at a slower, easier pace. Nestled between St. Petersburg and Sarasota, it’s close to everything yet still feels a little bit tucked away. In this post, we will walk through four reasons Bradenton belongs on your travel list and how a well-chosen vacation...

Packing for a Florida vacation sounds straightforward. Swimsuits, flip-flops, sunscreen. Done. Except Southwest Florida has a few quirks that catch first-time (and even repeat) visitors off guard - sudden rainstorms, intense sun, shell-heavy beaches, aggressive air-conditioning, and bugs that don’t mess around. If you want a smooth stay along the Gulf Coast (especially in places like Sarasota, Longboat...

Bringing your dog to Florida's Gulf Coast sounds perfect until you discover the fine print: most barrier island beaches ban dogs entirely. Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and Lido Beach all prohibit pets on public beaches to protect nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. But that doesn't mean your dog can't enjoy the vacation. Here's what actually works for vacationing with dogs in the Sarasota area - and what you...