The Florida Keys are not just a fantastic vacation destination; the region boasts a rich history and is home to fascinating marine and wildlife species.
These islands have so much to learn about and explore, and this article shares 20 facts about the Florida Keys that are quite interesting. Let’s dive in!
The History and Origins of the Florida Keys
1. Early Settlements and Native Inhabitants
Let’s start our list of Florida Keys facts with its history. The Florida Keys were first inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Calusa and Tequesta tribes, who lived there for thousands of years.
2. The Role of the Keys in Maritime History
The Florida Keys’ strategic location and shallow waters influenced maritime activity for centuries, from early Spanish exploration to the modern era. It served as a gateway for trade, a breeding ground for piracy, and a site of several shipwrecks.
The Unique Geography of the Florida Keys
Credit: Image by Nils Huenerfuerst | Unsplash
3. The Seven-Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge is a famous bridge in the Florida Keys, connecting the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys. It is part of the Overseas Highway that connects the Keys to the mainland.
The original Seven Mile Bridge was part of a railroad that was built by tycoon Henry Flagler in 1912. It was the first solid transportation route from southern Florida to the Keys.
4. Coral Reefs and Marine Life
The Florida Keys are home to a diverse coral reef ecosystem, with over 110 species of hard and soft coral and over 500 species of tropical reef fish.
Famous Landmarks and Attractions
5. Key West’s Southernmost Point
Key West’s Southernmost Point, located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, is a well-known landmark in Key West, FL and a popular tourist attraction.
6. Ernest Hemingway’s House in Key West
Ernest Hemingway’s house along Whitehead Street in Key West, FL, is a two-story Spanish colonial-style house built in 1851.
This National Historic Landmark and popular tourist attraction was Hemingway’s residence from 1931 to 1961. Many of his famous works were written there, including “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea”.
Credit: Image by Nick Rickert | Unsplash
7. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote United States national park in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 70 miles west of Key West, FL, is only accessible by boat or seaplane.
The park is known as the home of the magnificent Fort Jefferson, its crystal blue waters, magnificent coral reefs, and marine life, and the diverse array of bird species that frequently pass through the area.
The Flora and Fauna of the Florida Keys
Credit: Image by Zoshua Colah | Unsplash
8. Unique Animal Species in the Keys
The Florida Keys are home to a unique and diverse ecosystem that supports unique animal species, including the Key deer, a small subspecies of white-tailed deer only found in the areas from Sugarloaf Key to Bahia Honda Key.
Other distinct species include the Florida Keys mole skink, Key ring-necked snake, and the Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit.
9. Endangered Coral Species
The Florida Keys are home to North America’s sole coral barrier reef, a vital habitat for numerous marine species, including the endangered elkhorn coral and staghorn coral.
The Florida Keys’ Culture and Lifestyle
10. Conch Culture
The Florida Keys, particularly Key West, have a strong cultural connection to the queen conch, a rare species of sea snail which was once abundant in their waters and was a major food source.
11. Annual Festivals
The Florida Keys host a variety of popular festivals throughout the year. Some of the most notable events include the Key West Food and Wine Festival, the Hemingway Days Festival, Fantasy Fest in Key West, and the Marathon Seafood Festival.
Fun Facts About Life in the Florida Keys
Credit: Image by Braden Egli | Unsplash
12. The Weather in the Keys
The Florida Keys have a mild, tropical-maritime climate, mostly because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream in the Straits of Florida to the east and south, and the tempering effects of the Gulf to the west.
13. The Absence of Fast-Food Chains
The Florida Keys boasts a diverse culinary scene, with an abundance of local, fresh seafood and unique eateries that overshadow large fast-food chains. So, while there are some fast-food chains in the Keys, many popular ones, especially those known for their drive-thru service, are not in the area.
The Environment and Conservation Efforts
14. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 square nautical miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, including Florida’s coral reef, seagrass beds, sandbars, mangrove-fringed islands, and over 6,000 species of marine life.
The sanctuary also protects treasured pieces of the country’s history, such as shipwrecks and other archaeological treasures.
15. Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Practices
Eco-tourism and sustainable practices play a vital role in supporting the local communities in the Florida Keys and protecting the delicate natural environment.
The Keys offer a wide array of eco-tourism activities, such as wildlife watching, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. On the other hand, sustainable practices like solar-powered tours and “no-kill” policies are in force to ensure that tourism also benefits the environment.
Fun and Interesting Trivia
16. The Florida Keys in Popular Culture
The Florida Keys are well-known in popular culture, often featured for the thriving arts scene, galleries, music festivals, and unique landmarks, like the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District in Islamorada.
Credit: Image by Mark Male | Unsplash
17. The Keys as a Popular Destination for Weddings
The Keys offer a unique blend of breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect place to celebrate a memorable wedding, whether it be a small, intimate gathering on the beach or a grand ceremony with a large reception.
18. The Origin of the Name “Keys”
Here’s one of the most intriguing Florida Keys fun facts – the name “Keys” comes from the Spanish word “cayo,” which translates to “small island”. The term eventually evolved into “Keys.”
19. A Chain of Islands, But Only 5 Are Accessible
The Florida Keys are a chain of around 800 islands, but only five are accessible. The entire chain extends for about 125 miles.
20. The First U.S. Highway in the Keys
The first U.S. Highway in the Florida Keys is the Overseas Highway, a scenic highway that connects the Florida Keys islands from Key Largo to Key West. The highway runs along the path of the historic Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad which was built by Henry Flagler in 1912.
Conclusion
There you have it – 20 interesting facts about this wonderful Florida destination.
If you’re also interested in the Keys’ real estate offerings, please give me a call today at (305) 912-2177 or send me an email at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
