Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sea-turtle nesting sites
It's a federal crime to approach nesting sea turtles or
hatchling runs. Observe beach warning signs. If you encounter nesting turtles,
keep your distance and no flash photos.
Coral-reef etiquette
Never touch the coral reef. It's that simple. Coral polyps are
living organisms. Touching or breaking coral creates openings for infection and dis-
ease.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Florida Keys
Before Henry Flagler completed his railroad in 1912, which connected the Keys to the
mainland, this 126-mile string of islands was just a series of untethered bumps of land
accessible only by boat. (Little surprise, then, that their early economies were built on
piracy, smuggling, ship salvaging and fishing.) Flagler's railroad was destroyed by a hur-
ricane in 1935, but what remained of its bridges allowed the Overseas Hwy to be com-
pleted in 1938. Now, streams of travelers swarm down from the mainland to indulge in
the alluring jade-green waters, laid-back island lifestyle, great fishing, and idyllic
snorkeling and diving.
The islands are typically divided into the Upper Keys (Key Largo to Islamorada),
Middle Keys and Lower Keys (from Little Duck Key). Yet far from petering out, they
crescendo at highway's end, reaching their grand finale in Key West - the Keys' glori-
ously unkempt, bawdy, freak-loving exclamation point.
Many addresses in the Keys are noted by their proximity to mile markers (indicated as
MM), which start at MM 126 in Florida City and count down to MM 0 in Key West.
They also might indicate whether they're 'oceanside' (the south side of the highway) or
'bayside' (which is north).
The
Florida Keys & Key West Visitors Bureau
(
800-352-5397;
www.fla-keys.com
)
has information; also check
www.keysnews.com
.
Key Largo
Stretching from Key Largo to Islamorada, the Upper Keys are cluttered with touristy
shops and motels. At first you can't even see the water from the highway, then - bam -
you're in Islamorada and water is everywhere.
