St. Armand’s Circle is centrally located on the lushly landscaped island of Lido Key. Not only will you find contemporary architecture of distinction, Lido Key also boasts stunning beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, year-round lifeguards, acres of recreation area along the bay, spectacular views, playgrounds and pools for lounging at our Mid-Key public beach. For those visiting Lido Key in search of peace and quiet, enjoy one of our hidden white sugar sand beaches and relax your days away. All will enjoy the charms of St. Armand’s circle, just a short walk from many Lido Key areas. Superb exclusive shops, galleries, exotic boutiques, sophisticated restaurants and nightlife all located on St. Armand’s Circle. While you’re there, remember to visit the center of St. Armand’s Circle to see The Circus Ring of Fame, a “sidewalk of circus stars.” A must for any kid at heart! Or, if you are more the romantic type, treat yourself to a special view of this island by a horse-drawn carriage.
St. Armand’s Circle, Lido Key continues to be a tribute to John Ringling, the man with a vision to last long past his time. Enjoy our lifestyle…. our paradise…..
Table of Contents
| St. Armand’s CircleHomes For Sale | History of St. Armand’s Circle | Map of St. Armand’s Circle |
| Market Statistics | Photos | Resources |
St. Armand’s CircleHomes For Sale
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Map of St. Armand’s Circle
Market Statistics
Photos
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History of St. Armand’s Circle
In 1917, the leading circus magnate in the country, John Ringling bought all of St. Armands Key, Bird Key and Lido Key. Ringling dreamed of a shopping plaza designed around a roundabout similar to those found in European cities. Luxury homes and resorts were planned for the area around Ringling’s visionary “Circle.”
The John Ringling Causeway is Built
In the 1920s, crews of workers dredged St. Armands, Bird and Lido Key’s canals. Sea walls were constructed along with sidewalks and streets. There was no bridge to access the islands so Ringling decided to build one. The connecting causeway to St. Armands from Sarasota’s mainland was started in 1925 and completed a year later. Ringling opened the bridge and the John Ringling Estates himself by leading a parade across the causeway to St. Armands Circle where one of his circus bands performed.
Real estate sales in Sarasota on opening day exceeded the $1 million estimate. Soon after the opening of the causeway, the Depression hit and Sarasota’s real estate market collapsed and the Circle fell on hard times along with the entire country. In 1928, Ringling donated the Causeway to Sarasota County because he could no longer afford to maintain the bridge.
In the 1940s, investors, once again, set out to develop St. Armands. Restaurants were opened as well as a gas station. It took another 10 years or so before St. Armands shops and restaurants began to see some hope. By 1960s, St. Armands Circle was thriving and remains one of Florida’s outstanding shopping centers, similar to famous Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. Visitors and residents experience excellent dining, world-class shopping and an array of seasonal events, arts and crafts exhibits as well as musical performances by many local entertainers.
