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STRANDED STORY SETTING

10 Cool Facts About

the Florida Keys

1.

2.

The first inhabitants of the Florida Keys were the Native American tribes Calusa and Tequesta. Juan Ponce de Leon was later one of the first Europeans to find and explore the islands.

The Florida Keys are a highly biodiverse area because of the presence of coral reefs as well as undeveloped forested areas.

3.

There are over 800 keys in total, stretching over 180 miles.

4.

The term “key” is a corruption of the Spanish word, “Cayo”, which means small island.

5.

Key Largo is best known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater preserve in the United State

6.

The Keys are home to more sportfishing records than any other destination in the world.

7.

Considered a renewable resource, stone crabs are harvested only for their claws - the crabs can re-grow claws.  Harvesting only one claw is preferable for the crab's protection and feeding ability.

8.

The Keys have a Turtle Hospital; it's the world's only licensed veterinary hospital dedicated to the treatment of sea turtles.

9.

Three types of habitats are found in the Florida Keys. Tropical hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, and salt water marshes.

10.

Conch shells. which are abundant in the Florida Keys, are pronounced, k-onk shell.

 

 

Pilot Whale

Florida Keys Oceanscape

Click on map image to enlarge!

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