The community of Siesta Key is situated on an eight-mile barrier island that is connected to Sarasota by two bridges.  Founded in 1846, this long-established vacation destination is home to nearly 25,000 residents in high season.  The community is 55 miles south of Tampa, providing residents with an ideal location in close proximity to cosmopolitan amenities.  While Sarasota provides every urban amenity, Siesta Key is secluded enough to preserve much of the feeling of "Old Florida."  Lush foliage including mature trees and tropical flowering shrubs line the meandering roads that lead to the village and the beaches.  Refreshingly natural, the beachfront protects wild sea oats and mangroves that create a protective habitat for scores of native island birds.  Dolphins, manatees, and other aquatic wildlife can be seen just offshore.