Key West Online

Basically, the Florida Keys is a series of small coral and limestone islands. The Florida Keys include Key West, Big Pine, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo. Each of the Islands of this Key has special features to attract tourists. The prime attractions in the keys are fishing, snorkeling and canoeing, diving and other water sports. Florida Keys is considered to be an exotic destination.

All the mode of transportation is available here. The nearest airport to reach the Florida Keys is Miami. Limo Services is also available here. Florida key transportation has many car rental services even you may hire a bicycle and scooter to go around the city and streets. The downtown area is full of restaurants, bars boutiques and shops. A number of convenient buses run throughout Florida City for general people

Limousine is known for its luxuries. The limos are maintained properly. They are provided with facilities like plasma television, music system and DVD players. The experienced drivers of these cars guide you through the towns and beaches. They are designed according to your convenience.

In the past no body could even suppose about roaming around Florida and Miami in Limousine or some other luxurious cars. This was not so popular among general people. This is the reason Miami airport transportation has become the easiest for everybody. You can get the 24 hours yellow cabs services which even cheaper than the shuttle and Limousine services.

If under circumstances you have to travel in the late night or early in the morning to reach any destination, you will not feel puzzled because all the services are available for 24 hours and their hospitality will never disappoint you. In this way Florida Keys transportation have a huge network for the comfort of tourists.



By: Richard Morrisson

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Key West has many great hotels that can fit your preferences and budget. Try to have a holiday in “America’s Southernmost Tropical Island” and feel the relaxing atmosphere that it offers.

Key West is known to be the county seat of Monroe County. This is the southernmost county of continental United States with a tropical climate. Thus, it’s popularly called the “America’s Southernmost Tropical Island.” Key West serves as the seaport destination for passenger cruise ships. There are many hotels and guest houses available, all famous for their relaxing lodging experience.

Some of the best choices you can have while you are in Key West are:

• Best Western Key Ambassador Resort Inn

• Sunrise Suites resort

• Sheraton Suites

• Ocean Key Resort

• Pier House Resort

• Hyatt Key West

• Travelodge & Suites

Above-mentioned hotels and resorts are considered the best among the others. They offer great deals suitable to budgeted vacationers. We tackle them separately below to know why they are considered among the best.

Best Western Key Ambassador Resort Inn is located in Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida. This is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico. The exhilarating blue skies combined with blue waters are a sight to behold. They also have lush green tropics and great sunset which has a color of vivid red and purples. They provide great outdoor activities like fishing, snorkeling, diving and parasailing. They also have a museum that contains America’s finest relics and America’s true treasures.

Sunrise Suites Resort is located at the Seaside Drive, Key West. This is considered an island paradise which provides the luxury and convenience of your own homes. Sunrise Suites Resort is pet-friendly

Sheraton Suites is located in South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West. They offer Caribbean tropical furnishing, and modern amenities. They have spacious suites with private quarters and balconies. They also have outdoor activities for energetic individuals like fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, biking and kayaking. Smoking is discouraged in the vicinity.

Ocean Key Resort is located between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square. It is an oceanfront hotel where you can experience great view of the ocean and the beach everywhere in any of the rooms. One of their best amenities is their waterfront dining restaurants.

Pier House Resort is “Premier Resort” of Key West. This is a secluded paradise that invites you to feel their free-spirited place. They provide ultimate pampering experience that you need. Pier House Resort is promising to charm you with the pleasure that they have.

Hyatt Key West is located in Front Street Key West. It is a resort located at the Gulf of Mexico. The place exudes a peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy shopping around the area with the whole family. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa in the hotel after a long day.

Travelodge and Suites is the “Premier Bayside Resort”. This is located along the breathtaking Florida Bay. They have a tour of the Old Town and artists’ studio.



By: David H. Urmann

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The Florida Keys is regarded one of the planets most beautiful chains of islands linked to core Florida by the extension of American Highway One that runs about 113 miles from Key West to Miami, the southernmost spot of the continental USA.

The move south over the sea and numerous islands of the Keys is the most spectacular in the country, which comprise the trip of the 7-mile long Marathon Bridge. The Florida Keys tempts millions of travelers every year and includes some of the most wonderful fauna and flora in the USA. Boasting this gorgeous scenery, year-round sunshine, and natural light, it is simple to watch why this sub-tropical Eden has been the setting for numerous film blockbusters, comprising such epics as 2 Fast 2 Furious, True Lies, Speed 2: Cruise Control plus the James Bond classic Licence to Kill.

In fact, American Highway One characterized heavily in the blockbuster ‘True Lies’ starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In one unforgettable scene, comprising a limousine and assorted attack cars and aircraft, ‘Arnie’ and his team fight it out with wicked terrorists approximately blowing the Marathon Bridge. The blockbuster Speed 2: Cruise Control that though convicted as a dangerous flop made about $160million also features wide damage to an imaginary Florida Keys label at the film’s climax as out of control liner runs aground.

When it comes to enjoying nature, sun, beaches, and sea, the Florida Keys tours are rich in adventures for all the family. The Chamber of Commerce corresponding to Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West, is a good starting point to plan your visit to the so-called Florida Paradise. Most of the Florida Keys Visitor Centers are located at the various Chambers of Commerce; visit them to find brochures, maps, Florida Keys tours, and other useful information, including “fun packs” offered by some of the Keys authorities. Of course, there are as many Floridian tour operators that will lead you through the natural beauties of the Florida Keys as there are places to find resources. Being an internationally renowned destination, your local travel agent can provide you with all the printed information of tours available, maps, and directions to get there. By air, land, or sea, you can begin a tour starting at Key Largo and ending in Key West, instead of just visiting one of the Keys.



By: Brendon Trucco

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Key largo, the city, made famous by the movie that Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall starred in, is the dive capital of the world. Key Largo is home to the world’s largest artificial reef, the 510 foot USS Spiegel Grove.

This luxurious Florida vacation spot is a slight drive from the mainland of Florida but is an existence by itself. Key Largo has been the setting of movies, including Key Largo and African Queen and the has wildlife inhabiting the beautiful island and has become the favorite spot for scuba diving.

Abundant flowerage and animal life thrive in Dagny Johnson Hammock Botanical State Park, and the Everglades National Park.

Key Largo, the northernmost of the Keys has quickly become host to a diversified group of tourists and residents. Even Florida residents will drive down for a long weekend, visiting college students and a variety of celebrities will fly in for a week. Key Largo has some of the most beautiful living coral reefs which is what makes the diving experience here so incredible. Televised sport-fishing, attracts some of the most adventurous fishermen. In the winter months, you can always catch a glimpse of a movie celebrity dining in one of the posh restaurants or kicking up their heels at one of the exclusive night clubs. Surrounding Key Largo are the Everglades with it’s crocodiles and other wildlife and yet so near are some of the most prestigious group of people enjoying their vacation.

There are many impressive experiences waiting for you to attempt in Key Largo – such a wide variety, that it can be appropriate for any type of spending plan. Charter a boat, snorkel, dive and even swim with the dolphins.

If you want real excitement, hop aboard an airboat and tour the Everglades. Many bird refuges exist. You can even rent a houseboat in this paradise. Whether on land where you trek through the Pennekamp State Park or if you view from above in a parasail, this will keep you quite busy.

If you really want to treat yourself, family or friends to the best vacation of your life, stay in some of the Florida vacation rentals on the extravagant bayfront estates. Some of these homes are so beautiful that they have been on ABC’s Good Morning America. There is nothing more enjoyable than dock fishing or just kicking back and watching some of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere. You can see manatee and dolphin swimming by.

Key Largo is not as old as some of the other cities in Florida, first being recorded in 1848 that people were living there as documented in records. Ships mentioned that there was a settlement in Key Largo, however, no specific details are really given. The prime industry at that time was pineapple crops. It is estimated that 85% of the pineapples came from the northern Florida Keys.

There are many sites to see, but people just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that Key Largo provides. With its classy and trendy restaurants and nightclubs with upscale shopping, you can count on a classy vacation. It is remarked that Key Largo has some of the most beautiful sunsets and there are cruise ships that you can dine on and watch this beautiful spectacle.

So, find your Florida vacation rental accommodations in Key Largo range and enjoy some of the most beautiful luxurious times you can imagine.



By: Rado

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The recent surge in digital camera sales has been possible due to the low cost camera that anybody can afford. Basic digital photography techniques are simple to master with just a little bit of practice and patience.

I recently bough a new camera for myself and then gave my daughter my old one. It was a simple point and shoot with the ability to set the shutter, aperture and ISO. Within a few weeks she sent me a bunch of photos by email and they were pretty good for snapshots but lacked any really good shots. In most cases the lighting was poor or were just poorly framed.

A few weeks later we were in South Florida, South Beach Miami to be exact, and we embarked on an Urban Photo Safari. We started early and headed down by Ocean Avenue. Knowing the sun was directly in our face while looking to the east, she snapped a away at all the cool lifeguards stands and the water. I on the other hand photographed the Art Deco style hotels and restaurants.

When we returned to our hotel later in the morning I down loaded the images to my laptop. My daughter was disappointed at how her photos were all washed out. How the water was dark and the sky was more white than blue. When we reviewed my photos, the buildings were sharp, the colors were bright and while a few of the photos had shadows, most of the shots were pretty good.

Then she asked why I did take any photos of the beach. I told her that I knew the lighting was bad and that they would probably not be very good. At that instant I could practically see the light bulb come on in her head and a valuable lesson was learned.

Later in the afternoon we went back to Ocean Avenue on South Beach and this time we had the sun to our back. Her photographs were beautiful, the lifeguard stands had vivid colors and the sand, sky and sea glowed. Lighting and time of day are very important in shooting outdoor photos.

More South Florida Photography Opportunities

South Florida has many great places for your Photo Safari. Palm Beach offers many great places to shoot photos. Along Flagler Avenue you can shoot multi-million dollar yachts in the water or the buildings that line the Avenue. Worth Avenue in West Palm Beach also offers a photographer many opportunities.

Fort Lauderdale offers many of the same type of shots. One idea is to hop on one of the many tourboats along the waterways and get great shots from there.

The Everglades is one of Florida’s more popular eco-destinations. Birds, alligators and other wildlife make for great subjects. For the thrill of a lifetime try an airboat ride, you’ll get plenty of great shots from one of those too.

The Florida Keys are another great Eco-destination. John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo offers many trails and walkways above the mangrove swamp.

Islamorada in the middle of the Keys also offers unique photo opportunities. Fishing boats of all types, from rugged commercial vessels with their salty flavor and rustic rigging to the mega yachts with black and gold fishing rods and other bling make for great photos. If you’re there in late August you’ll see lobster traps stacked high on every vacant spot (near the water and on the boats), that can make for some interesting photos.

If it’s interesting people you’re looking for Key West is the place. People who go to and live in Key West tend to march to the beat of a different drum. From salty old commercial fishermen to female impersonators, the people of Key West are truly unique.

Key West also features a lighthouse, the Hemingway House Museum with it’s six toed cats and Mallory Square with those famous sunset parties and street performers. You’ll find some interesting people there too.



By: Kirby Collins

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An ancient Spanish monastery, spiritualist camp, castle made entirely of coral, undersea lodge, bat tower, seven mile bridge, Navy SEAL museum and other unique curiosities can all be found in the Sunshine State for those travelers who like to stray off the beaten path. Below are 50 of the most offbeat attractions in Florida:

African Queen – Key Largo, Florida

The marina at the Holiday Inn Key Largo (Mile Marker 100) is home to the original boat used in the classic 1951 movie, The African Queen, which was directed by legendary director John Huston and starred Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Huston and Robert Morley.

Ancient Spanish Monastery – North Miami Beach, Florida

Built in Segovia, Spain, in 1141, the Spanish Monastery is the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere. Newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, had the entire monastery dismantled and sent to the United States in the 1920s where it serves today as St. Bernard de Clairvaux Episcopal Church.

Big Cat Rescue – Tampa, Florida

The world’s largest big cat rescue and sanctuary, Big Cat Rescue is home to lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats, ocelots, servals, lynx, caracals and other exotic cats. Guided educational tours of Big Cat Rescue are available.

Blue Hole – Big Pine Key, Florida

The largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys, the Blue Hole is an old rock quarry created during the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway, according to legend. Today, the Blue Hole is home to alligators, turtles, fish, ducks and a variety of wading birds. The Blue Hole is located at Mile Marker 30.5 (bayside).

Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum – Jupiter, Florida

A monument to actor Burt Reynolds’ massive ego, the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum contains a collection of awards and memorabilia from his movie and TV career.

Butterfly World – Coconut Creek, Florida

One of South Florida’s top tourist destinations, Butterfly World is the world’s largest butterfly aviary – home to more than 80 butterfly species and 5,000 butterflies.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp – Cassadaga, Florida

A Historic Spiritualist Camp founded in 1894, Cassadaga is the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Christ of the Deep – Key Largo, Florida

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, “America’s First Undersea Park,” is home to the famous nine-foot-tall bronze “Christ of the Deep” statue, which lies 25 feet beneath the ocean in the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary.

Citrus Tower – Clermont, Florida

Although these days you will definitely view more subdivisions than citrus trees, you can still ride the elevator to an observation deck 226 feet above the rolling hills of Clermont for a spectacular glimpse of the surrounding area.

Coral Castle – Homestead, Florida

How did one individual endeavor to procure and sculpt more than 1,100 tons of coral rock into a “fantasy world carved out of stone” using only homemade tools? The secrets still lie within Coral Castle, “America’s Stonehenge,” the bizarre masterpiece of obsessive genius Ed Leedskalnin, which was built over a 28-year period.

Creations Pop Culture Museum – Delray Beach, Florida

A variety of incredible exhibits await you at Creations Pop Culture Museum, which features tons of Hollywood movie and TV memorabilia.

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park – Gainesville, Florida

A National Natural Landmark, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park boasts a 120-foot-deep sinkhole that is accessible from a stairway leading to a lush, “miniature rain forest.” The premises include a visitors center and hiking trails.

Dinosaur World – Plant City, Florida

A unique outdoor museum, Dinosaur World is billed as the “world’s largest dinosaur attraction.” Highlights include life-size dinosaur replicas, caves, hands-on activities, fossil dig area, educational exhibits, gift shop and more.

Dry Tortugas National Park – Key West, Florida

About 70 miles West of Key West lies Dry Tortugas National Park, which is home to historic Fort Jefferson. Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by boat, ferry or seaplane.

Flipper’s Grave – Grassy Key, Florida

Grassy Key in the Florida Keys is home to the Dolphin Research Center, which also serves as the final resting place for the original “Flipper” (real name: Mitzi), the most famous dolphin in film and TV history. Mitzi is buried in the Center’s courtyard.

Gatorland – Orlando, Florida

Billed as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland features such lively shows as the world-famous Gator Jumparoo, Jungle Crocs of the World, Gator Wrestlin’ Show and Up Close Animal Encounters, as well as the Gator Gully Splash Park, petting zoo, aviary, train ride and more.

Holy Land Experience – Orlando, Florida

A “living, biblical history museum,” Holy Land Experience allows visitors to meet interesting biblical characters in authentic costumes, view a fascinating collection of antiquities and expore the ancient architecture of biblical Jerusalem.

Jackie Gleason’s Mausoleum – Miami, Florida

An immense outdoor mauseoleum at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Miami serves as the final resting place for Jackie Gleason, who will always be remembered for his role as Ralph Kramden in “The Honeymooners.” The only inscription on the mausoleum is Gleason’s signature parting lines: “And Away We Go.”

Jesus Film Project – Orlando, Florida

The two-hour docudrama, Jesus, has been viewed by approximately 5 billion people around the world since making its debut in 1979. Learn all about the “most widely viewed film in history” at the Jesus Film Project’s master studio, which is located at the World Headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge – Key Largo, Florida

The only underwater hotel in the United States, Jules’ Undersea Lodge lies approximately 30 feet beneath the sea and guests have to scuba dive to reach the two-bedroom habitat.

Jungle Adventures – Christmas, Florida

A 20-acre wildlife sanctuary, Jungle Adventures is home to alligators, bears, deer, bobcats, panthers, crocodiles, monkeys, snakes and turtles. View alligator feedings and wildlife shows, take a jungle cruise and visit a Native American Village.

Key West Cemetery – Key West, Florida

Opened in 1847, the historic Key West Cemetery is home to a monument for sailors who died during the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in 1898, as well as a number of quirky inscriptions such as “I Told You I Was Sick” and “Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias.”

Monkey Jungle – Miami, Florida

Visit Monkey Jungle – “Where Humans are Caged and Monkeys Run Wild!” One of the few protected habitats for endangered primates in the country, Monkey Jungle is home to more than 400 primates that run free on a 30-acre reserve. A total of 30 primate species are represented here such as spider monkeys, colobus, gibbons and guenons.

Monument to the States – Kissimmee, Florida

Begun in 1942, the 50-foot-tall Monument to the States lies in downtown Kissimmee and consists of more than 1,500 fossils and rocks from every state, as well as more than 20 countries.

Mulberry Phosphate Museum – Mulberry, Florida

Mulberry is known as the “Phosphate Capital of the World” and the Mulberry Phosphate Museum features an incredible colleciton of fossils and exhibits that document the town’s role in the phosphate industry.

National Key Deer Refuge – Big Pine Key, Florida

A 8,542-acre National Wildlife Refuge that lies on Big Pine Key and No Name Key in the Florida Keys, the National Key Deer Refuge serves as the home of the endangered Key Deer, as well as nearly two dozen other threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

Navy SEAL Museum – Fort Pierce, Florida

The Navy SEAL Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to “the elite warriors of Naval Special Warfare.”

Old Jail – St. Augustine, Florida

The entire family will enjoy a guided tour through this 1891 jail, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse – St. Augustine, Florida

Built in the early 1700s and located near the famous St. Augustine City Gates, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse contains a variety of unique artifacts and displays.

Perky’s Bat Tower – Sugarloaf Key, Florida

Built in 1929 by Florida Keys entrepreneur, Richter Perky, as a way to attract mosquito-eating bats, Perky’s Bat Tower never attracted any bats but today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Potter’s Wax Museum – St. Augustine, Florida

Billed as “America’s first and finest wax museum,” Potter’s wax museum is nestled in historic St. Augustine and features more than 160 wax figures of such celebrities and historical figures as Albert Einstein, Julius Caesar, Tiger Woods, Princess Diana, Michael Jordan, Johnny Depp and even a bald Britney Spears!

Reptile World Serpentarium – St. Cloud, Florida

The Reptile World Serpentarium houses more than 50 species of snakes from all over the world such as the Australian taipan, king cobra and East African green mamba. Venom shows take place twice daily.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! – Orlando, Florida

View such oddities as a Rolls Royce made from a million matchsticks, two-headed calf, shrunken head, four-eyed man, cannibal dinosaur, Mona Lisa made out of toast, Egyptian mummy, Van Gogh portrait made from 3,000 postcards and a piece of the Berlin Wall at the Orlando Odditorium, which appears like it is being slowly devoured by an immense sinkhole!

Ron Jon Surf Shop – Cocoa Beach, Florida

Open 24 hours a day, Ron Jon Surf Shop is a massive 52,000-square-foot, multilevel specialty store that features surfboards, clothing and surf-related souvenirs, as well as live music, demonstrations and autograph sessions.

Salvador Dali Museum – St. Petersburg, Florida

Nestled in downtown St. Petersburg (of all places!), the Salvador Dali Museum boasts the most comprehensive collection of permanent works by the famous surrealist painter such as “The Hallucinogenic Toreador” and “The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.”

Seven Mile Bridge – Marathon Key, Florida

A masterpiece of engineering, the Seven Mile Bridge was constructed between 1979 and 1982 on the Overseas Highway and serves to connect the Middle Keys (Marathon Key) to the Lower Keys (Little Duck Key). For the record, the actual length of the Seven Mile Bridge is 6.79 miles.

Solomon’s Castle – Ona, Florida

Internationally known sculptor, Howard Solomon, created this unique medieval-style fortress to house his extensive artwork. Guided tours of Solomon’s Castle are available. The premises also include the Boat in the Moat Restaurant.

Southernmost Point – Key West, Florida

A huge buoy-like structure at the corner of Whitehead and South streets in Key West supposedly marks the “Southernmost Point in the United States,” which is only 90 miles North of Cuba.

Spook Hill – Lake Wales, Florida

Park your car at the bottom of this “gravity-defying hill” in Lake Wales and it will appear to roll up the hill. Is it an optical illusion or some kind of mystical occurrence?

St. Augustine Alligator Farm – St. Augustine, Florida

View Maximo the Giant Crocodile (15 feet and 3 inches long, 1,250 pounds) at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, which also features wildlife shows, nature habitats, albino alligators and much more.

Titanic: The Experience – Orlando, Florida

The world’s first permanent Titanic exhibition features a full-scale re-creation of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase and incredible stories of the passengers and crew who survived the tragedy, as well as more than 250 Titanic artifacts and memorabilia from the 1997 Oscar-winning movie, Titanic.

Venetian Pool – Coral Gables, Florida

Surrounded by Venetian-style architecture and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian Pool is a 820,000-gallon pool that was carved out of a coral rock quarry in 1923. It features a variety of waterfalls, caves, grottos and a diving platform.

Water Ski Hall of Fame & Museum – Polk City, Florida

View the first pair of water skis and other rare artifacts and memorabilia that document the history of waterskiing at the Water Ski Hall of Fame & Museum, which also contains a resource center and audiovisual library.

Weeki Wachee Springs – Weeki Wachee, Florida

Established in 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs still features its ever-popular live mermaid shows, as well as a state-of-the-art waterpark called Buccaneer Bay and sightseeing boat tours.

WonderWorks – Orlando, Florida

Experience an earthquake, lie on a bed of nails, design your own roller coaster and immerse yourself in virtual reality fun at WonderWorks – “Orlando’s only upside-down attraction!”

World Chess Hall of Fame – Miami, Florida

Learn about some of the most famous chess players in history such as Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky at the World Chess Hall of Fame, which also features fascinating chess exhibits and artifacts.

World Erotic Art Museum – Miami Beach, Florida

The World Erotic Art Museum boasts an extensive collection of more than 4,000 artifacts that comprehensively document the history of eroticism from 200 B.C. until today.

World’s Largest Drive-In – Sunrise, Florida

Open since 1963, the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop boasts the largest drive-in movie theater and daily flea market in the world.

World’s Largest McDonald’s – Orlando, Florida

In addition to offering a unique menu that includes gourmet sandwiches and desserts, this two-story McDonald’s offers a 25,000-square-foot play area, as well as more than 60 arcade games. It is located just off world-famous International Drive.

World’s Smallest Police Station – Carrabelle

Basically a phone booth, the World’s Smallest Police Station was built in the early ’60s to accommodate the one police office in Carrabelle, population 1,800. It’s worth the photo opportunity if you ever find yourself driving aimlessly through Florida’s panhandle.



By: Ryan Wiseman

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It’s a place of shimmering water, of tropical breezes, of underwater fantasies. It’s living rock, and animals that look like plants. It’s a statute with its arms raised to they sky, yet still beneath the sea.

Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys.

Kingdoms of the Sea

Pennekamp State Park is mostly under the waves, so the big draw is definitely on the watery side. Being the only living coral reef in the United States, Pennekamp is a mecca for divers from all over the world. And what a reef it is! It’s a watery kingdom, with thrones of coral and guardian fish patrolling about.

Snorkel and Dive Tours

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers both snorkel and dive tours from its dive center. The main reef is about four miles offshore, so you are spirited away in a catamaran for your trip (the Spirit of Pennekamp).

Tours run around two hours of actual water time, and by all accounts they are very much worth it.

Glass Bottom Boats

If you aren’t into getting wet but still want to see the reef, how about a glass-bottomed boat tour? You can relax in air-conditioned comfort and discover your own Atlantis.

What Else?

How about camping, fishing, swimming and canoeing? All this and more can be found at Pennekamp State Park. Come on and visit another world, just beneath the waves.



By: Gail Nettles

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