Sarasota Sister Cities Association

Citizen Diplomats - Carving a Path toward Peace Since 1963

LONGBOAT KEY is a barrier island community located on Florida’s west coast. The Town lies within two counties. The northern portion of Longboat Key is in Manatee County and the southern portion is in Sarasota County. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and Sarasota Bay on the east.

Longboat Key is noted for ideal beach and bayfront settings for the ultimate Florida vacation. Stretching between the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and serene Sarasota Bay, these keys attract many visitors who come to enjoy the average year-round temperature of 73 degrees.

The area is popular among retirees and is also a popular resort and second home community. Longboat Key has a population of approximately 8,000 permanent residents and grows to approximately 20,000 during peak tourist season.