Sarasta area sailing and anchoring

[flee27]

Are the areas around Sarasota/Siesta Key/Longboat key that one can anchor a catamaran and get beach access. I would like to spend a couple of days in the area and am looking for nice beaches for the kids and good anchoring opportunities for overnight.

Thanks

[flyingfin]

Egmont Key at the entrance to Tampa Bay is great, anchor overnight there or in the Manatee River just to the south.

You can also anchor on the gulf side (if its calm) both north of Sarasota (Longboat Pass) or south of Sarasota (Venice Inlet)