Key West                         Back to Area Parks     



Key West





Gen Information

Accommodations
Hotels
Bed and Breakfasts
Vacation Rentals
Weddings
Real Estate
Key West Fishing
Flats Fishing.
Party Boat
Light Tackle
Sportfishing
Restaurants
Art Galleries
Art and Crafts
Key West
Bars
Shops
Dolphin Tours
Eco Tours

Kayaking

Sailing  and

Sunset Cruises

Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Camping and
R.V. Parks
Marinas
Nice Tips To Do
Other Fun Stuff
Dry Tortugas
Plane Rides
Boat Rentals
Parasailing
Sky Diving
Key West Adult Entertainment
Area Parks
Key West Events

Car Rentals
Airline Flights

Key West Books


 

How the rest of the world sees Key West

Take it easy in Hemingway's Key West
Earthtimes, UK - Jan 7
Is it 4 pm or maybe already 5? Nobody cares much as details like that are unimportant on the island of Key West on the southernmost tip of America.

Coral Reefs Under Attack From Global Warming And Acidification Of Oceans
AHN - Dec 13 2007

The world's coral reefs are being killed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday that new research finds carbon emissions are threatening coral reefs. The findings are timely as 2008 is the International Year of the Reef.


Report says climate change could cost Florida billions of dollars
Tallahassee.com, FL  Nov 28
Climate change could cost Florida an additional $27 billion by 2025 and $345 billion by 2100 if carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at current rates, according to a Tufts University report.







 

 







 

Key West Parks Long Key State Park

Long Key State Park
Long Key State Park
P.O. Box 776
Long Key Fl 33001
305-664-4815
History

Long before the park was established, the subtropical climate, clear waters and abundance of marine life attracted explorers. The Calusa Indians lived off the plant and marine life before the arrival of the first Spanish settlers. After Spanish occupation, other travelers from nearby islands such as the Bahamas made their way to Long Key.

By 1912, the Florida Keys were no longer considered a remote area to travel. By this time, the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad was completed, allowing Long Key to become an important depot. Henry Flagler, the founder of the railroad, also established the Long Key Fishing Club which was a Mecca for the world's greatest saltwater fishermen. This productive era came to a temporary end when a hurricane destroyed the railroad and fishing club in 1935.

Long Key was once referred to by the Spanish as "Cayo Vivora", which means Rattlesnake Key. The name was used to describe the shape of the island, which resembles a snake with its jaws open.

Today, Long Key State Park is known for being rich in history and recreational opportunities as well as natural beauty.

Plant life
Long Key contains the remains of ancient coral reefs that were formed 100,000 years ago when the sea level was 20 to 30 feet higher. The vegetation is primarily of West Indian or Caribbean origin. A large variety of trees and shrubs are found, including species such as the gumbo limbo, poisonwood, mahogany, Jamaica dogwood and crabwood.

Wildlife
The shallow waters off Long Key support an abundance of marine life. Various wading bird species may be observed in the mangrove-lined lagoons, particularly during the winter months.

Real fun in real Florida
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

bulletEducational offerings at the park include fun and informative programs on snorkeling,
fishing, bird watching, canoeing. With information about sea turtles, plants, history
and the marine ecology of the area.
bulletThere is a nice boardwalk that takes you through the mangroves lets you get a real nice view of how they grow. Midway there is an observation tower from the top
you see a lust carpet of green as you look over the tops of the trees very nice.
At the end their are a couple of shelters for picnics and an outdoor shower to rinse
off after a dip in the ocean. Here to is the beginning of the Golden Orb Trail.
Key West Parks Long Key State Park                   Key West Parks Long Key State Park
bulletThree nature are located within the park for visitors who enjoy both walking and
canoeing. The "Golden Orb" Trail, named after a native spider, is a leisurely 40
minute walk through several plant communities. The Layton trail is located on the
bayside of the park and takes 15 minutes to walk. The third trail is Long Key Lakes
Canoe Trail, which covers a shallow water lagoon. Canoe rentals and a self-guided
brochure are available for this hour long journey.
 
bullet

Picnic areas are available with a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Key West Parks Long Key State Park
 

bulletSwimming and some of the best sport fishing in the Florida Keys are popular year round. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida.
bulletCampsites are located along the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean for those
visitors who wish to stay and enjoy all that Long Key has to offer. The way the campsites are set up most all have their own beach. Rest rooms and showers are
close by for all the campsites. The only thing I have noticed in the past is that you
are within about 20-30 yards of US 1 so you do hear the traffic all night long.

Key West Parks Long Key State Park

Florida State Parks are managed to appear (as closely as possible) as they did when the first
Europeans arrived.

Click on this to see the large picture (about 100K)
Long Key State Park

Florida State Park Pet Policy

WHEN THE HEAT IS ON....

Keep cool. Summer brings hot weather and family vacations. Your pets will be affected by both. For a healthier; happier travels with your pets:

Never leave your pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open. Ten minutes could be too long on a hot day. By then, the temperature inside the car could reach 160 degrees F. That's hot enough to cause a dog to suffer heat stroke.

Pets don't perspire as people do. They cool themselves by panting. With only very hot air to breathe, your pets could suffer permanent brain damage within moments. If emergency care is not given, your pets could die. They may want to come along, but it's much kinder to leave your pets at home with plenty of fresh, cool water and shade.

If your dog is overcome by heat exhaustion, immediately soak him or her down with water and take to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Domestic Animals

Pets are permitted in designated day-use areas at ALL Florida State Parks. They must be kept on a hand-held leash that is six-feet or shorter and be well-behaved at all times. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of their droppings. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings, or concession facilities. Within individual parks, specific areas also may be designated as no-pet areas.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.

If you are driving to Key West either from home or after
flying into Miami this is a must side trip.
Clyde's Key West Parks
 

April 15, 2008