Florida Keys @ SouthEastRoads
The Florida Keys represent a chain of islands extending southwest from the Homestead area to the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Keys, a word derived from the Spanish word cayos, meaning small islands, represent a series of small coral islands situated on a thick layer of limestone. Surrounded by Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean, the islands rise to a maximum height of 18 feet on Windley Key. 800 of the islands are large enough to appear on USGS quads and other government maps, however many more consist of nothing more than a stand of mangroves just barely about sea level. A live area of coral islands lie between four and seven miles offshore of the Keys.1
The Tequesta and the Calusa native indian tribes lived throughout the Keys and South Florida when Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. The arrival of Europeans brought disease to many native tribes throughout America, including the natives of the Florida Keys. One early explorer observed the chain of islands and gave them the name Los Martires, meaning the martyrs. The coral reefs that surround the islands were notorious for claiming vessels at the time, thus giving the land the nickname "martyrs". Florida and the Keys were swapped between the kingdoms of Spain and Britain between 1763 and 1783. The treaties between the two countries were vague in their declaration of the Florida Keys, as the two counties were more focused on Havana, Cuba. In 1821, all of Florida, including the Keys, were ceded to the United States.2
In 1845 Florida was granted statehood. However much of the state remained vastly undeveloped with the exception of north Florida and the port and Navy town of Key West. In the early 1900s, entrepreneur Henry Morrison Flagler took on the task of linking Key West with the Florida mainline by constructing the Florida East Coast Railway from Homestead southward. In 1912, the railroad line carried its first train, and the line would remain in operation until 1935.2
1935 included the infamous Labor Day Hurricane, a category five storm that blew across the Florida Keys. The massive storm surge destroyed much of Flagler's railroad line, rendering access between Key West and Homestead inaccessible. The rise of the automobile as the most viable way to travel resulted in the construction of the original Overseas Highway in 1938. Constructed with more than 40 bridges, the original road, dubbed U.S. 1, traveled 126 miles from Key West to the Homestead over the same path of the original railroad line.2
The Keys themselves include a variety of communities ranging from Islamorada, the "Sportfishing Capital of the World", Key Largo, the "Diving Capital of the World", Marathon, an original base camp for Henry Flagler's railroad, Big Pine Key, home of the endangered species Key Deer, and Key West, an eclectic city which is the southernmost in the United States.
Things to see, do; places to stay and eat in the Florida Keys. Book a Florida Keys hotel with AARoads and Expedia.
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Florida Keys Roads
Key West3
Key West was founded in 1822 and incorporated May 1889. In 1890 the city held the title as Florida's largest city with 18,080 residents. The city played a role in rising tensions between the U.S. and Spain (Cuba) and became the home to Navy operations at the close of the 19th century. The cigar industry otherwise was a main staple of the Key West economy through the early 1900s. During the same time period the establishment of the Key West Electric Street Railway Company resulted in construction of a transit line along Duval Street, and construction of a road joined downtown with east ends of the island. That road is known as Flagler Avenue today.
Entrepreneur Henry Flagler arrived to Key West in the early 1900s and embarked on building a railroad line between the city and Miami in 1905. Dubbed the Florida East Coast Railroad, Flagler's crews constructed the railroad in just three years with the line opening on January 22, 1912. To accommodate the railroad and its terminal in Key West, 134 acres of land was created with fill from the area now known as Trumbo. World War I brought a renewed presence from the military to Key West. With land leased from the Florida East Coast Railroad, Naval Air Base Key West was commissioned on December 18, 1917.
Tourist activity fueled Key West's growth in the 1920s, and at that time the beginnings of a road network linking the coastal city with the Florida mainland arose. The first Overseas Highway opened in 1928 and consisted of separate roadways connected by 40 miles worth of ferry boat lines. In the 1930s tough times braced the nation with the Great Depression, and Key West was no exception. The tourist industry all but ceased, military operations were reduced to maintenance facilities, and the cigar industry dissolved due to the rise of cigarettes. Things got so bad economically that Key West deincorporated in 1934 with a reduced population of 13,118. The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 followed, severing Key West from ground transportation.
In 1936, the state purchased the Florida East Coast Railroad right-of-way and began constructing the Overseas Highway. The existing infrastructure was converted for use by automobiles by adding 20-foot road beds or decks respectively. Signed as U.S. 1, the roadway opened to traffic in 1938. The onset of World War II brought Key West and the military back together with the opening of the Trumbo Point Navy station as a training and operations facility. 3,000 acres of land were now dedicated to military operations and in March 1945, Navy Station Key West was established. The increased military presence put an increased demand on U.S. 1, so 17 miles of the original alignment were bypassed by a straighter roadway. These today are signed as SR 4A and various Monroe County highways (signed and unsigned).
The economy of Key West shifted to the shrimping industry during the 1950s, the sunset celebration at Mallory Square began in 1953, and during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, aircraft reconnaissance flights originated at Naval Air Station Key West. Tourism continued a slow growth in the Keys and Key West through the 1970s and 80s. In 1982 the U.S. Border Patrol began checkpoints at Florida City, requiring all travelers to present proof of citizenship. Traffic delays were long and many tourists stopped coming to Key West all together because of the aggravation involved with the road blocks. To counteract the actions, Key West took the symbolic step of declaring independence in the form of the Conch Republic. Flags featuring a conch shell went up briefly and the Key West mayor even applied for foreign aid from the federal government. The efforts resulted in the removal of the Border Patrol check point, but Conch Republic flags still flight symbolically throughout the Keys.
The city exists today as the county seat of Monroe and as a cruise ship port, naval training flight area, and a cultural destination. 25,478 residents call the city home as of the 2,000 U.S. Census.
Florida A1A - South Roosevelt Boulevard
Florida A1A represents an alternate routing of U.S. 1 throughout the state of Florida. There are many segments of the state highway, and the southernmost route exists in Key West. Although only signed at the eastern end, Florida A1A follows South Roosevelt Boulevard along the Cow Key Channel and Gulf of Mexico waters from U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway) south and west to Key West International Airport and Bertha Street. The state highway ends at Bertha Street, despite being shown further west and north along Bertha or 1st Streets.
| Florida A1A North |
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Florida A1A (South Roosevelt Boulevard) eastbound at the entrance to Key West International Airport (Airport Code: EYW). Airport Road spurs north from Roosevelt Boulevard to the terminal. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Construction present at the time of this photograph relegated Florida A1A to just two lanes. The highway otherwise carries four overall lanes as it hugs the Gulf of Mexico shoreline of southern Key West. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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South Roosevelt Boulevard hugs the island of Key West from Bertha Street east to junction U.S. 1 (North Roosevelt Boulevard). After the northward turn, Cow Key comes into view as Florida A1A parallels Cow Key Channel. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Approaching the Riveria Canal crossing on Florida A1A (South Roosevelt Boulevard). A junction C-5A sign advises motorists of the forthcoming intersection with Flagler Avenue. Flagler Avenue is Monroe County 5A, but no signs, other than this non-standard shield here, exist along or for the road. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Florida A1A northbound at the junction with Monroe County 5A (Flagler Avenue). Flagler Avenue comprises a four-lane divided boulevard west through residential areas to 1st and Bertha Streets. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A short distance north of Flagler Avenue (Monroe County 5A) is the Florida A1A junction with U.S. 1 (North Roosevelt Boulevard). U.S. 1 follows North Roosevelt Boulevard east from Eisenhower Drive through the commercial district of Key West to Florida A1A. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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The southernmost segment of Florida A1A draws to a close at the Roosevelt Boulevard intersection with the Overseas Highway. U.S. 1 south heads toward downtown along North Roosevelt Boulevard ahead; U.S. 1 north follows the Overseas Highway east to Stock Island, Marathon, and the Florida mainland. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| Florida A1A South |
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Southbound reassurance marker posted for Florida A1A on South Roosevelt Boulevard after its intersection with U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway). This is the only shield posted on the Florida A1A mainline. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Florida A1A (South Roosevelt Boulevard) intersects the east end of Monroe County C5A (Flagler Avenue) a short distance south of U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway). Flagler Avenue ventures west through residential areas parallel to the Riveria Canal. South Roosevelt Boulevard continues south over the canal toward Key West International Airport and Smathers Beach. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
Monroe County C5A - Flagler Avenue
U.S. 1 carries the secret state road designation of Florida 5 throughout the Sunshine State. Many times when a parent route carries a one or two-digit state road number, the alternate, loop, business, or bypass carries the same secret number and a lettered suffix. Monroe County C5A represents old Florida 5A, an alternate route for U.S. 1 through Key West. Relegated to county road status, and for the most part unsigned, County C5A follows Flagler Avenue west from Florida A1A (South Roosevelt Boulevard) to White Street through the mid-section of Key West. It is unclear according to maps if Monroe County C5A turns northward along White Street to U.S. 1 (Truman Avenue), or if it simply ends silently at the Flagler Avenue intersection with White Street.
| Flagler Avenue (Monroe County C5A) west |
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Flagler Avenue westbound after its beginning from Florida A1A. Monroe County C5A, a vastly unsigned road, travels along Flagler Avenue west between Florida A1A (South Roosevelt Boulevard) and White Street. The four-lane highway serves residential areas between Kennedy Drive and Florida A1A. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Monroe County C5A (Flagler Avenue) westbound at the signalized intersection with Kennedy Drive. Kennedy Drive heads north to Dredgers Key Causeway at junction U.S. 1. A variety of businesses lie along Kennedy Drive nearby and along U.S. 1 (North Roosevelt Boulevard) at Kennedy Drive. City Park and Key West's schools lie along Kennedy Drive as well. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| Flagler Avenue (Monroe County C5A) east |
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The east end of Flagler Avenue and unsigned Monroe County C5A at junction Florida A1A (South Roosevelt Boulevard). Florida A1A north merges with U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway nearby. Florida A1A south parallels Cow Key Channel and the Gulf of Mexico south and west to Key West International Airport and Smathers Beach. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
Key West Road and Street Scenes
| Simonton Street |
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Looking at the Simonton Street southbound intersection with Caroline Street in downtown Key West. The U.S. District Court building resides on the southeast corner of the intersection. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Continuing south on Simonton Street one block south at Eaton Street. Eaton Street links downtown Key West with the Naval Air Station Key West Trumbo Point Annex via Palm Avenue. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Another block south on Simonton Street at Fleming Street. Fleming Street meets the south end of U.S. 1 (Whitehead Street) two blocks to the west. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Simonton Street south at Southward Street. Southard Street heads west to Naval Air Station Key West Harry S. Truman Annex and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| Southard Street |
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Ground level traffic lights exist in downtown Key West such as these posted at the Southard Street west intersection with Duval Street. Duval Street parallels U.S. 1 (Whitehead Street) one block to the east as a secondary route into downtown from the southeast. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Southard Street west at U.S. 1 (Whitehead Street), one block south of U.S. 1's south end and one block east of the entrance into the Harry S. Truman Annex. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Looking northeast on Southard Street east at U.S. 1 (Whitehead Street). Southard Street ends eight blocks ahead at White Street and the Trumbo Annex. The Monroe County Courthouse lies along Whitehead Street between Southard and Fleming Streets. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| South Street |
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South Street straddles the southern reaches of Key West between the Southernmost Point Monument and Reynolds Street. Pictured here is South Street east at Simonton Street. Use Simonton Street south for South Beach and north for downtown. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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As South Street pushes east, the area becomes dense dense with dwellings and quieter. Reynolds Street meets South Street at a signalized intersection north of Astro City Park. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A red flasher governs the movements between South Street and Grinnell Street. South Street dog legs between two segments at White Street ahead. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| White Street |
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Looking at White Street southbound at Von Phister Street in southwest Key West. White Street heads south from Eaton Street at Palm Avenue to Astro City Park and the White Street Pier. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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White Street south at Flagler Avenue (Monroe County C5A). Flagler Avenue comprises an east-west through route between White Street and South Roosevelt Boulevard (Florida A1A) at Cow Key Channel. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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White Street ends at Atlantic Boulevard between Higgs and Rest Beach. The Key West AIDS Memorial resides on the south side of the intersection. Beyond that is the closed White Street Pier. Atlantic Boulevard west heads through Astro City Park to Reynolds Street. Atlantic Boulevard east continues a short distance to Bertha Street (Florida A1A). Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| Kennedy Drive |
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Kennedy Drive constitutes a four-lane arterial between Flagler Avenue (Monroe County C5A) and junction U.S. 1 (North Roosevelt Boulevard) at Dredgers Key Causeway. Kennedy Drive serves City Park in this scene near Northside Drive. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Typical suburban style strip malls and big box retail encompass the areas of Kennedy Drive and U.S. 1 (North Roosevelt Boulevard) in east Key West. Northside Drive intersects Kennedy Drive here at City Park. Northside Drive ventures east from the traffic light to 20th Street and 18th Terrace. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Northbound Kennedy Drive at junction U.S. 1 (North Roosevelt Boulevard). U.S. 1 south continues through the commercial district toward White Street and downtown. U.S. 1 north hugs the Gulf of Mexico waters east to junction Florida A1A (South Roosevelt Boulevard) at the Overseas Highway to Stock Island. Dredgers Key Causeway continues Kennedy Drive north to Sigsbee Road and the U.S. Naval Housing complex on Dredgers Key. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| Other Key West Street scenes |
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Front Street serves the downtown Key West tourist district and cruise terminal area between Greene and Simonton Streets. Area attractions include Mallory Square, the Key West Art Center, and the Key West Shipwreck Museum. Front Street eastbound intersects Duval Street in this scene. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Fleming Street eastbound at the southern terminus of U.S. 1 (Whitehead Street). Fleming Street travels east from the Harry S. Truman Annex to White Street through the southern reaches of downtown Key West. Whitehead Street south carries the northbound beginning of U.S. 1 south to Truman Avenue. Whitehead Street north ends at Front Street in the heart of downtown. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Whitehead Street southbound curves east to form South Street at the Southernmost Point Monument. The monument itself resembles a buoy as it resides along the Gulf of Mexico waters adjacent to the Harry S. Truman Annex. A small peninsula within the Annex itself is actually the southernmost location in the contiguous United States. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Pictures of the Straights of Florida from the White Street Pier and Higgs Beach. A scant 90 miles separate Key West, Florida from the nation of Cuba. To the west is the Southernmost Point Monument and the Harry S. Truman Annex. Damaged pier remnants remain as a testament to the numerous hurricanes that have skirted the area in the early 2000s. For one reason or another, the White Street pier was closed at the time of these photos. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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The entrance to Naval Air Station Key West as seen from U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway). The military base lies south of U.S. 1 via Saratoga Avenue on Boca Chica Key. The facility is home to a navy flight training school. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
 
Guides:
Monroe County 905 (Card Sound Road)
| Card Sound Road
Monroe County 905 and 905A
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Card Sound Road provides a second crossing between the Florida Keys and the Florida Mainland. Veering southeast from U.S. 1 at Florida City, Card Sound Road carries no designation through to the Monroe County line. Once in Monroe County, the highway becomes part of Monroe County 905A and spans the tolled Card Sound Bridge. At the junction with Monroe County 905, Monroe County 905A ends. Monroe County 905 carries Card Sound Road the remainder of the way back to U.S. 1 at Key Largo. Monroe County 905 also spurs northeast of Card Sound Road to the private Ocean Reef Club at the north end of Key Largo.
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Original Overseas Highway segments
 
Sombrero Beach Boulevard
There are two segments of original Overseas Highway still in use at Marathon. The easternmost spur travels south from U.S. 1 along the Vaca Key Bight to Tingler Island and Sister Creek and was designated Monroe County 931. The road is also known as Sombrero Beach Boulevard as it serves residential areas along the south and southeast facing waters of Marathon.
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Approaching the west end of Sombrero Beach Road near a public park along the south shores of Tingler Island. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A chain link fence and guard rail lie between the end of Sombrero Beach Road and the waters of Sister Creek. Across the waterway is the semi-abandoned stretch of 20th Street, the continuation of former Monroe County 931 and original Overseas Highway. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Some scenes of the public beach at Tingler Island in south Marathon. The teal waters of the Florida Straits lap upon the sandy white coral beach. Bright sunshine drenches everything otherwise, as we stand in the low latitude of 24 degrees 41 inches north of the Equator. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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The north end of Sombrero Beach Boulevard at junction U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway). Marathon Airport lies a short distance to the east. U.S. 1 southbound meets the return of former Monroe County 931 in 1.9 miles to the west. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
20th Street
Unlike the section of original Monroe County 931 along Sombrero Beach Boulevard, the segment along 20th Street is virtually abandoned, serving just a handful of buildings on its trek south and east from Palm Island to Boot Key. A 1972 draw bridge spans the waterway to Boot Key Harbor between the two islands, and is located just south of the intersection with U.S. 1. 20th Street otherwise arcs eastward along a road slowly succumbing to the elements.
| 20th Street south |
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Leaving the signalized intersection with U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway) and approaching the draw bridge over Boot Key Harbor. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Crossing the Boot Key Harbor draw bridge along 20th Street south. One has to wonder how often the bridge needs to be raised on a road with virtually no traffic. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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A 30 mph speed limit is levied on all of 20th Street South as it travels through Boot Key. Road conditions however do not even allow for speeds of that velocity on many parts of the roadway due to vegetation overgrowth and pavement ruts. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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A barrier and trash lie at the east end of 20th Street. There is no view of the Sister Creek or the west end of Sombrero Beach Boulevard. Boot Key is vastly undeveloped. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| 20th Street north |
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| Traveling back west and north along 20th Street. The majority of the road is relegated to one lane as trees and bushes overtake the road from the outside. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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Even on the approach to the Boot Key Harbor draw bridge, vegetation encroaches on the 20th Street right of way. The span itself is relegated to a lowly 15 mph speed limit. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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Northbound views of the draw bridge over Boot Key Harbor. 20th Street descends and meets U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway) within one quarter mile. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
Watson Boulevard
Watson Boulevard represents the original Overseas Highway alignment on both Big Pine Key and No Name Key. The alignment joined with SR 4A on Little Torch Key to the west and Spanish Harbor Keys to the south. Much of the alignment travels through the National Key Deer Refuge. An abandoned section of roadway stems south from Watson Boulevard within the Refuge from No Name Key south to Refuge Key.
| Watson Boulevard east |
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Approaching the Doctors Arm area along Watson Boulevard east between Key Deer Boulevard and Avenue B. The stretch of roadway near the northward turn resembles many other residential areas within the state of Florida. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Watson Boulevard turns northward at Avenue B to span the northern reaches of Doctors Arm. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A two-lane concrete bridge with shoulders carries Watson Boulevard over Bogie Channel between Big Pine Key and No Name Key. Several locals were parked along the bridge fishing at the time of these photos. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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Watson Boulevard enters the National Key Deer Refuge on No Name Key as it leaves the Bogie Channel Bridge. Asides a handful of dwellings along the northern reaches of the island, the key is left for the Key Deer. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Entering the last 1,000 feet of Watson Boulevard. A speed limit of just 25 is posted along the stretch on No Name Key to reduce the number of accidents with Key Deer. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A couple of large boulders act as the barricade at the east end of Watson Boulevard. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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The expansive Bahia Honda Channel lies beyond the boulders and Little Pine Key along the northern horizon. The stench of decaying organic matter permeates the air along the east shore of No Name Key otherwise. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
| Watson Boulevard west |
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Looking west from the eastern shore of No Name Key at the beginning of Watson Boulevard. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A straight shot carries motorists to the Bogue Channel crossing between No Name Key and Big Pine Key along Watson Boulevard. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Westbound views of the concrete bridge carrying Watson Boulevard over Bogue Channel. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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Watson Boulevard turns south at Doctors Arm and then west again at Avenue A. The road between Avenue C and Key Deer Boulevard is undeveloped. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A stop sign governs the movements between Watson Boulevard and Key Deer Boulevard. Key Deer Boulevard links Watson Boulevard with U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway) to the south and the Blue Hole, Gulf and Kyle Avenues to the north. Watson Boulevard continues west to a dead end at Pine Channel, opposite of the SR 4A segment of original Overseas Highway. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
SR 4A (State Road 4A)
A short section of old Overseas Highway, still signed as simply "SR 4A" exists at Little Torch Key. The two-lane roadway spurs north from U.S. 1 to an RV park at the north end of the island, also serving a canal-based community along Pine Channel. A bridge originally joined the SR 4A spur with Watson Boulevard at Big Pine Key.
| SR 4A north |
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Marshland and very shallow water lines the sides of SR 4A as it departs U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway). County Road and Linda Street spur east within the next half mile to communities along South Pine Channel. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A congested area sign lies ahead of the RV park along SR 4A near its end. The road turns east at Coral Shores Road and abruptly ends otherwise. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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The end of SR 4A at Little Torch Key. Across Pine Channel is the end of Watson Boulevard, the Overseas Highway alignment over Big Pine and No Name Keys. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| SR 4A south |
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Leaving the RV park area along SR 4A southbound on Little Torch Key. A 30 mph speed limit is in place along the entire alignment of SR 4A. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
See also Florida @ SouthEastRoads - U.S. Highway 1 for photos and history of the old Bahia Honda Bridge.
Other Keys Scenes
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Canals are often incorporated into South Florida and Keys neighborhoods. They not only create more waterfront property, but also provide access to the bays, gulf, and ocean for water enthusiasts. Pictured here are two scenes of a neighborhood canal in Key Largo. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
| Key Deer Boulevard north |
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Key Deer Boulevard spurs north from U.S. 1 along Big Pine Key. The roadway derives its name from the local Key Deer, an endangered species only found in the lower Florida Keys. Signs posted along area roads advise drivers not to feed the deer and that $250 fines are applied to those who do so. The reason for the prohibition is that deer that approach people offering food are more likely to approach cars and trucks in the future, thus increasing the likelihood of an accident causing their numbers to dwindle even further. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A disabled flasher hangs above the intersection of Key Deer Boulevard and South Street. A baseball field lies along the southeast corner of the intersection. Continuing north, Key Deer Boulevard intersects Watson Boulevard, the original Overseas Highway. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Traveling north between Watson Boulevard and Palm Avenue. A canal-based neighborhood lies west of Key Deer Boulevard and north of Watson Boulevard. Further north is the Blue Hole, the only fresh body of water in the entire Florida Keys system. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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A scattering of homes lie along the path of Key Deer Boulevard, including those found along Kyle Avenue. Kyle Avenue stems west of the road just south of its dead end near the northern reaches of Big Pine Key. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| Key Deer Boulevard south |
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Key Deer Boulevard begins and travels south from a dead end to Kyle Boulevard, Gulf Boulevard, and the Blue Hole. Much of the area on Big Pine Key is a part of the National Key Deer Refuge. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Southbound at the intersection with Palm Avenue. Palm Avenue travels west to Narcissus Avenue south. Both roads intersect Watson Boulevard (the original Overseas Highway) to the south. Watson Boulevard travels west to a dead end at Pine Channel and east to No Name Key. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Continuing south to the flasher with South Street on Key Deer Boulevard. South Street leads east to Wilder Road and Winifred Street. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
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Key Deer Boulevard draws to a close at the signalized intersection with U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway). This is the only traffic light on Big Pine Key. Photo taken 05/07/06. |
| The Blue Hole |
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The Blue Hole is the result of a rock quarry created in the construction of the Florida East Coast Railroad. The pit was deep enough and far enough from the adjacent waters, that rainfall eventually filled it with fresh water. The Blue Hole is open to visitors as part of the National Key Deer Refuge, and an interpretive kiosk and walking trails are available on site. Photos taken 05/07/06. |
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Sources:
- Geology - Florida Keys, Florida Keys On-Line Guide..
- History - Florida Keys, Florida Keys On-Line Guide..
- Case Key West page2, Florida Keys History Museum.
Page Updated October 17, 2006.
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