Bird Key, which lies between the mainland and Lido Key, is one of the most historically rich areas in Sarasota. Originally, Bird Key was only 14 acres in size, and was only accessible by boat. In 1911, the small isle was purchased from the state by Thomas Worcester, a man from Cincinnati. He bought the land at the suggestion of his wife, Davie Lindsay Worcester, who had recently visited the Sarasota area and fell in love with the small island. Mrs. Worcester had decided that Bird Key would be the perfect place to recover from her illness, and eventually retire. In order to increase the size of the small island, sand was dredged from the bay bottom. The Worcesters made plans to build a home, which would be named New Edzell. Before construction was completed, Mrs. Worcester passed away. Eventually, John Ringling purchased the island, and built the John Ringling Causeway in order to connect Bird Key and Lido Key to the mainland. Today, Bird Key remains to be one of the most popular spots in Sarasota.