Longboat Key Live Cam
Directly on the Gulf of Mexico

History
Longboat Key is a picturesque barrier island located on the west coast of Florida, situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Its history is intertwined with the broader history of the Gulf Coast region of Florida. Here's a brief overview of the history of Longboat Key:
Indigenous Inhabitants: Longboat Key was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Calusa and Timucua peoples, long before European settlers arrived in the area. These native peoples subsisted on fishing and farming.
Spanish Exploration: Spanish explorers, including Ponce de León and Hernando de Soto, explored the Florida Gulf Coast in the early 16th century. The area that is now Longboat Key was likely visited by these early explorers.