The Florida Keys are the southernmost tropical islands in Florida that you can actually drive, fly or take a short ferry ride to from mainland Florida. If you make the 130 mile or so drive to the end, you will find Key West. The deep wrecks of the Florida keys are yet another reason to start your angling adventures here in Marathon with our Sport Fishing Charters. The Florida Keys are made of fossilized coral rock and are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the south side and the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay on the north side. Wildlife found in the Keys includes waterbirds, alligators, crocodiles, loggerhead turtles, Key deer, and manatees.
Waters Davis sold his Key Biscayne property, including this lighthouse, to James Deering, International Harvester heir and owner of Vizcaya in Miami, in 1913. One stipulation that Davis had made in the sale to Deering was that the Cape Florida lighthouse be restored. When Deering wrote to the U.S. government seeking specifications and guidelines for the lighthouse, government officials were taken aback by the request, wondering how a lighthouse could have passed into private hands. It was soon discovered that an Act of Congress and two Executive Orders, in 1847 and 1897, had reserved the island for the lighthouse and for military purposes. Patient legal work eventually convinced the U.S. Congress and President Woodrow Wilson to agree to recognize Deering’s ownership of the Cape Florida area of Key Biscayne, including the lighthouse
The Florida Keys are the string of islands just south of the Florida mainland and runs 120 miles from end to end. Fort Lauderdale and Miami are fun but for a relaxing change of pace, the Florida Keys is the place to be. The Florida Keys are between about 23.5 and 25.5 degrees North latitude, in the subtropics. The Florida Keys are home of some of the most beautiful parks in the State of Florida. Many of the parks allow camping, pets and boat dockage.
Key West is like Provincetown - except with year-round summer and palm trees - and is a favorite stomping ground for gays. This is one of the best places in the country to watch the big red ball drop over the horizon. Sports Illustrated once sent its models here for its annual swimsuit issue, and now that have we validated our point, it’s time to make our way – slowly – to Key West. Key West begins at mile marker 5.
It’s said that Key West has more bars and restaurants per capita than any city in the country. A sampling of saloons suggests that quality of fun is just as important as quantity. Enjoy the comfort of a luxury suite with tropical flair at The Reach Resort, a classic beachfront hotel conveniently located in Key West’s Old Town just steps from the beach and within minutes of shopping, golf and nightlife. Enjoy spectacular views and cool ocean breezes from your room’s private balcony, relax poolside at the fabulous pool area or feed your hungry appetite with a mouthwatering steak from Shula’s on the Beach.
Islamorada is located about 80 miles south of Miami and 80 miles north or west of Key West. While flats can be very productive in areas both north and south, Islamorada is arguably the epicenter of bonefishing. Located about 15 miles from Key West, enjoy the oceanfront swimming pool, boat launch and dock, and childrens playground! The cottages have just been completely renovated this year, and each is beautifully decorated with unique character. Hurricane Katrina, which went on to devastate parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, moved through south Florida in August, 2005 and tracked southwest past Key West, causing minor damage and flooding. Hurricane Rita, which went on to destroy parts of Louisiana and Texas, grew from a tropical storm to a Category 2 hurricane as it moved westward from the Bahamas, passing south of Key West and causing damage and surge flooding as far north as Key Largo.
