Expore the map of Florida Keys showing interstate highways, US highways, other principle highways, railroads, cities, keys, airports, beaches, forests, and national parks.
Major Islands of Florida Keys
S.N.
Notable Islands
1
Adams Key
2
Bahia Honda Key
3
Big Coppitt Key
4
Big Pine Key
5
Boca Chica Key
6
Boca Chita Key
7
Boot Key
8
Conch Key
9
Craig Key
10
Crawl Key
11
Cudjoe Key
12
Dry Tortugas
13
Duck Key
14
East Rockland Key
15
Elliott Key
16
Fat Deer Key
17
Fiesta Key
18
Fleming Key
19
Geiger Key
20
Grassy Key
21
Indian Key
22
Indian Key Fill
23
Key Largo
24
Key West
25
Knights Key
26
Knockemdown Key
27
Lignumvitae Key
28
Little Duck Key
29
Little Torch Key
30
Loggerhead Key
31
Long Key
32
Long Point Key
33
Lower Matecumbe Key
34
Lower Sugarloaf Key
35
Marquesas Keys
36
Middle Torch Key, Big Torch Key
37
Missouri Key
38
No Name Key
39
Ohio Key
40
Old Rhodes Key
41
Park Key
42
Pigeon Key
43
Plantation Key
44
Raccoon Key
45
Ragged Keys
46
Ramrod Key
47
Reid Key
48
Rockland Key
49
Rodriguez Key
50
Rubicon Keys
51
Saddlebunch Keys
52
Sands Key
53
Scout Key
54
Shark Key
55
Shelter Key
56
Sigsbee Park
57
Soldier Key
58
Stock Island
59
Sugarloaf Key
60
Summerland Key
61
Sunset Key
62
Tavernier Key
63
Tea Table
64
Totten Key
65
Upper Matecumbe Key
66
Vaca Key
67
Windley Key
68
Wisteria Island
About Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago, off the southern coast of Florida, running about 125 miles from Key Largo to Key West and the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. This island chain is connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway, which has 42 bridges and the longest is the Seven Mile Bridge. The Keys are divided into five main regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys, and Key West, which are culturally and naturally different.
For thousands of years the Florida Keys have been inhabited, the Calusa and Tequesta, native peoples, being the earliest known. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived, and the islands were used for shipping and fishing strategies. Key West was economically on the rise in the 19th century, with wrecking, sponging and cigar manufacturing becoming major industries. The region was further transformed by the completion of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad in 1912, but a devastating hurricane in 1935 virtually destroyed much of the rail line, and the modern Overseas Highway was built.
The climate of the Florida Keys is tropical—warm temperatures throughout the year, and a clear wet and dry season. The temperature is about 70 °F in winter and 90 °F in summer. Because the Keys are located near the water, the Keys are very prone to hurricanes, with notable storms like Hurricane Irma in 2017 causing a lot of damage. Nonetheless, the area is a major tourist attraction because of its clear waters, coral reefs, and marine life.
The economy of the Florida Keys is primarily driven by tourism, which brings in millions of visitors every year. The main features are water-based, such as snorkelling, diving, fishing, and boating. The Florida Reef, the third largest coral reef system in the world is not only an interesting attraction but also an important part of the ecosystem. The Keys also include state and national parks like Dry Tortugas National Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Other major contributors to the local economy include commercial fishing for spiny lobster and stone crab, and the hospitality industry, which creates thousands of jobs.
The Florida Keys are also popular for their cultural influence which is based on the Bahamian, Cuban, and maritime cultures. Key West has particularly developed a reputation as a laid back sort of place with historic architecture and an artistic community. The most famous event in the region is Fantasy Fest, a 10 day parade of costumed revelers and live entertainment. Another historical site that attracts literary enthusiasts and history buffs is Hemingway House, which was once the home of author Ernest Hemingway.
Due to rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and habitat degradation, environmental conservation is a critical issue in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which covers over 2,900 square nautical miles of protected waters, are part of efforts to protect marine life. Local organizations and government agencies work to restore coral reefs, reduce pollution and promote sustainable tourism practices.
