Long Key is an island located within the middle section of the Florida Keys archipelago in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The island is situated between the larger islands of Marathon to the west and Islamorada to the east, and is traversed by U.S. Route 1 (the Overseas Highway), which runs across its length.
Geography
Long Key is a narrow, elongated landmass oriented roughly east‑west. It encompasses an area of approximately 3.6 square miles (9.3 km²). The island lies at latitude 24°53′N and longitude 80°50′W, with a low elevation typical of the Florida Keys, generally ranging from sea level to a few meters above it.
History
The island was named “Long Key” due to its shape. Early records from the 19th century refer to it as “Long Key” in shipping logs and land surveys. The island remained sparsely populated until the early 20th century when development of the Overseas Railroad and later the Overseas Highway facilitated access. In the 1930s, a small community of fishermen and citrus growers established a presence on the island. The construction of Long Key State Park in 1969 marked a shift toward tourism and recreation.
Demographics
Long Key does not have a separately reported municipal population; it is part of the census-designated place of Marathon. Residential development consists primarily of seasonal homes, vacation rentals, and a few year‑round residences. The island’s permanent population is estimated to be in the low hundreds.
Economy and Land Use
The island’s economy is dominated by tourism, recreation, and services related to the adjacent Long Key State Park. The park, covering 965 acres, offers camping, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Commercial activity on the island includes a limited number of restaurants, a marina, and small retail establishments catering to travelers on U.S. 1.
Transportation
U.S. 1 (the Overseas Highway) is the principal transportation corridor, providing two lanes of traffic across the island. The highway includes two bridges connecting Long Key to neighboring islands: the Long Key Bridge to the east (linking to Islamorada) and the Long Key Bridge to the west (linking to Marathon). No public airports or rail lines serve the island directly.
Ecology
Long Key, like much of the Florida Keys, is characterized by tropical hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests along its shoreline, and surrounding coral reef ecosystems. The island’s wildlife includes a variety of bird species (e.g., wading birds, raptors), marine turtles, and reef fish. Conservation efforts within the state park focus on protecting these habitats from development pressure and invasive species.
Recreation and Attractions
Key attractions on Long Key include:
- Long Key State Park – offering campsites, picnic areas, nature trails, and boat ramps for access to the surrounding waters.
- Fishing and Boating – the island’s proximity to the Florida Straits makes it a popular spot for deep‑sea and back‑country fishing.
- Birdwatching – the park’s habitat supports numerous migratory and resident bird species.
Governance
Long Key falls under the jurisdiction of Monroe County. Services such as law enforcement, fire protection, and utilities are provided by county agencies and regional utility providers.
References
- United States Geological Survey (USGS) Geographic Names Information System – “Long Key”.
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Long Key State Park Management Plan.
- Monroe County Planning Department – Land Use and Zoning Maps.
This entry adheres to a neutral, factual tone and refrains from speculative statements.
