Siesta Key, Florida History
Quick facts about Siesta Keys history:
- Siesta Key used to be called Sarasota Key
- Harry Higel gave Siesta Key its name. He was a fiery, outspoken man who was often involved in bitter political fights.
- In 1907 Higel organized the Siesta Land Company with Captain Louis Roberts, owner of the Roberts Hotel and E.M. Arbogast, of Marlington West Virginia, a winter resident. They platted the town of Siesta and launched and advertising campaign.
- The financial depression of 1907 killed the Siesta venture until 1912 when the town was replatted and Siesta Key began to make progress.
- Higel was instrumental in organizing the first yacht club in Sarasota. A large club house was built dring the summer of 1907 on the north end of Siesta Key.
- In 1917 the Siesta Key bridge was opened and vehicles began going over it.
- Louis Roberts, a native of Key West who came to Sarasota in 1878, bought a choice tract on Sarasota Key (Siesta Key).
- Roberts Point Road was named after Captain Louis Roberts.
- Roberts soon learned that catering to the tourist trade was more profitable than either fishing or farming so in 1906 he enlarged his house and began calling it the Roberts Hotel. After establishing Siesta Land Co. with Higel and Arbogast he renamed his hotel to Siesta Hotel.
- Today, the entire key is called Sarasota Key on government maps and Siesta Key on the county maps.
- Between 1911 and 1913 Higel dredged Bayou Hanson, Bayou Nettie and Bayou Louise.
- In 1914-1915 Higel built the Higelhurst hotel on the north end of Siesta Key at Big Sarasota Pass. On March 31, 1917, just before the north bridge was opened, the hotel burned to the ground.
- In 1920 I.G. Archibald built a pavilion and several cottages at the beach and businessmen made it their weekend resort.
- In 1927 a new Siesta Key bridge was constructed on the north end, replacing the old bridge. It was formally dedicated with elaborate ceremonies.
- In 1950 the National Geographic magazine described Siesta Key beach as one of the four most beautiful beaches in the world.