11/03/2026
In the 1920s, John Ringling started work on a Ritz-Carlton Hotel at the south end of Longboat Key. The Florida land boom collapsed, the hotel was never finished, and that unfinished structure stood for decades.
In 1959, Arvida acquired the land, and the area developed in stages around the resort and golf course. That history is still visible in the real estate today: low-rise condominiums from the 1960s, Gulf-front towers from the 1970s, resort-oriented properties from the 1980s, and much larger luxury residences from the 1990s.
Two properties just minutes apart can have completely different architecture, amenities, views, and lifestyle. That is why we start with the earlier buildings and work our way forward.
Watch the full Behind the Gates tour on YouTube, Around Town with Danielle & Alison.