An Illustrated History of Siesta Key: The Story of America's Best Beach

by Thomas Philip Farrrell, Philip M. Farrell

Overview

A history of a very popular beach destination near Sarasota on the Gulf coast of Florida. Reviewing the past century of Siesta Key development in the context of Florida's ancient and recent emergence, this book explains how one small Gulf coast barrier island has become world famous as “#1 Beach in the USA." Beginning with Amerindian settlers, the “First Floridians," all of the seminal pioneers and a steady stream of pivotal leaders are described with emphasis on their families, motivations, and challenges. Both historical triumphs and tragedies are covered to provide a balanced perspective. Lastly, the current and future threats are analyzed in detail, including the environmental controversies with nearby keys, the menace of increasing red tide, and the risks of rising sea levels associated with global warming.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683340164
Publisher:	Pineapple Press, Inc.
Publication date:	03/15/2018
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD is Emeritus Dean and Professor of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. He first visited Florida’s Gulf coast barrier islands in 1958, including those of Sarasota County, and has returned regularly. His medical research has led to 3 books and over 300 original scientific articles. During the past 12 years, he and his wife, Alice, have stayed on Siesta Key annually for pleasure and a variety of professional activities. While studying the history and geology of Siesta Key, he discovered that its past century of development is not only unique but also tells a story worth sharing. Thomas Philip Farrell graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a double major in history and anthropology. During these studies, he also trained in archaeology and developed a keen sense of how these disciplines are interwoven. His special interest is Native American history and cultures. He has visited Siesta Key annually during the past decade and found Crescent/Siesta Beach worthy of being designated “# 1.”

Table of Contents

Introduction to the History of Siesta Key

Birth of a Beach: Formation of Florida’s Gulf Coast Barrier Islands and Siesta Key

The First Floridians and their Gulf Coast Settlements

The Influence of the Spanish

Pioneers Displaying of Florida Hospitality

Early Barriers to Florida Tourism

The Triumph and Tragedy of Harry Higel: A Hero and Martyr

Bridges over Troubled Waters: Siesta Key Tourism Launched in May 1917

An Interlude with Innovations and Fishing Shacks

Spring Breaks Begin with Amish and Mennonite Visitors

Becoming America’s Best Beach

The Glory and Generosity of the Greggs

Evolution of Unique Villages

A Tale of Two Beaches

Spring Break Haven

Battle of the Keys: Attempts to Protect Treasured Beaches

Threats and Challenges

CHRONOLOGY

Prehistoric era

Amerindian visitations and transient habitation

The Spanish/Cuban period

Homesteading pioneers settle Siesta Key

Initial phase of real estate development and failure

Fishing shack interlude with innovations

Beach cottage period launches sustained tourism

The age of the high rise, residential condominium

Shorter stay tourist boom supervenes

The “best beach” era attracting spring break crowds

Editorial Reviews

"Florida is king of the beach again in the annual TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards with Siesta Beach on the Gulf Coast coming in at No. 1....Siesta Beach, which is on Siesta Key, a barrier island on the Gulf Coast west of Sarasota, is no stranger to accolades. It was named best beach in the U.S. in 2011 on the annual Dr. Beach list, and was also named tops on TripAdvisor's rankings in 2015."

February 2017 Orlando Sentinel