Joyzilli,
Gulf Tides at Longboat Key has units on both sides of Gulf of Mexico Drive (the major street through Longboat Key).
We stayed in a 2BR unit there about 2 years ago - If I remember correctly, the Studio units were across the street in the buildings fronting the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. We did have a tour of one of those units, and I thought it was functional for 2 people. We would stay in a studio if we went back.
You walk out of your unit and you're on the beach. They also have free bicycles - which are kept on the other side of the road.
Richard