About
Welcome to Manasota Key and the Manasota Key Association!
No matter if you have been part of Manasota Key for just a few weeks or have lived here for decades, the beauty and serenity of this setting makes it one of the most extraordinary places in all of Florida.

And you can see that modern man has had a significant impact on Manasota Key. The difference between the south key in Charlotte County and the key in Sarasota County is striking. Once you cross over the county line into Sarasota County the full beauty and uniqueness of the Key begins.

Membership in the Manasota Key Association is open to home owners and property owners who live between the North Bridge and the Charlotte County Line on Manasota Key. Membership and support of the Manasota Key Association is critical to continuing to protect and promote the general interests of property owners on our section of the Key. Our overriding goal is to protect and enhance the value of what most likely is one of your most important assets, your Manasota Key property and your home.

We are currently working with the County and our partners on the north Key and Casey Key to get specific language included in the County’s Post Disaster Redevelopment Plan (PDRP), the County document that specifies how and when services and resources will be allocated in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. It is critically important to all property owners that the bridges and utilities be restored as rapidly as possible in the event of a disaster. And just as important, we must be allowed to rebuild our homes or repair damage as quickly as possible with expedited permitting and minimum red tape. That is why we are working so hard on this issue now. Because of our ongoing relationship with the County Commissioners and department heads, we have made steady progress.
Just a few years ago Sarasota County passed ordinances that restricted or eliminated a number of activities on the beach, including the area that lies above mean high tide. These restrictions would have made it illegal to have a glass of wine, play Frisbee or conduct other common activities like sitting with your pets. Working with Casey and North Manasota Keys, we were able to revise or remove those restrictions.

After recent tropical storms , the Association arranged for a town hall meeting of residents and the managers of all the County’s building and permitting offices in an effort to make all parties aware of the damage and streamline the permitting/rebuilding of lost or damaged property. Our Association website and emails keep all
property owners informed with pictures and descriptions of the impact of the tropical storm.

The Association successfully lobbied the County to eliminate a proposed food service operation at the north beach that would have changed the character of the key and affected property values.
The important issue we recently faced was the clear-cutting of decades old mangroves in the wetlands of a piece of property on the key. This deliberate action significantly affected the nature of property. The Association is closely following the County and State proceedings to insure that a remediation plan is put in place. We are also working with County officials to put into place an emergency notification system where the County can take action over a weekend or after hours.
The MKA sponsors and organizes ongoing trash removal from our road. We have consistently removed each year over 50 large trash bags of cans, bottles and other junk from around the road.

Our frequent MKA emails and newsletters let property owners know immediately (an early warning system) of any security issues, which because of the patrols are very rare.
Our Association holds several well-attended social events every year to get to know our fellow members. And the Manasota Key Association Directory is a key resource for every member with names, addresses, phone and email information, plus a copy of the Association by-laws and Conservation District regulations.
Elected officials and County officials are much more likely to listen to an organized and well-supported group than each of us individually. The more property owners we represent, and the more cohesive our
association, the better chance we have to favorably influence policies and governmental entities.
association, the better chance we have to favorably influence policies and governmental entities.

The vast majority of members also support the voluntary MKA security patrol. For an additional $100 per year, the Association is able to have the Key patrolled on a random basis both days and evenings.
If you have a home or own property on Manasota Key between the North Bridge and the Charlotte County line, we respectfully ask you to continue the decades long tradition of supporting the Manasota Key Association. Your current neighbors and your predecessors have preserved the Key with their support. We look forward to you joining the Association and participating with all of our members.
Sincerely yours,
Jackie Ruthman
Manasota Key Association President