On Jan. 2, 1908, Henry Flagler began construction of the Florida East Coast Railway. It was Flagler’s dream, one he personally financed with $80 million of his own money, to see the coast of Florida connected by train from Jacksonville to Key West.
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 08:04 AM EST
Among all Florida state parks, the Keys have some of the best.
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
If the Florida Keys were a church, the backcountry would be their sanctuary.
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
Birdwatchers take note – this park's collection of hardwood hammocks, mangrove swamps, and wetlands makes it one of the best birding destinations in the country. Like many of the Keys’ state parks, Curry Hammock is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. But it is also a site for Hawk Watch International’s raptor census, thanks to its prime location on the migratory path of some of the world’s most spectacular birds of prey. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, camping, canoeing, and a playground make this a fun park for families.
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
Weathered wooden docks, all grayed with age and dotted with barnacles, mean the edge of the world for any person whose love of the water has met its equal in the sleek design of a boat.
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
Crane Point is one of those special places that is as peaceful and relaxing as it is educational and entertaining. Whenever people go there they resolve to return soon, but it is never soon enough.
Posted - Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
If you were to go on a search to find hidden treasure, the first place you might look would be on a remote island. With visions of a treasure chest full of glittering gold, you may very likely walk right over a beach full of pearls and not even notice.
Posted - Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
A great Egret perches in Everglades National Park in a photo by Julie Chancy.
The Florida Keys are known for three national parks, Dry Tortugas National Park off Key West, and Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Reserve on the mainland.
Posted - Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
Charles Anderson took this aerial photo of the Bahia Honda Bridge and the developing park at the north side of the bridge in the mid 1950s. The Overseas Highway is clearly visible as it rises to the height of the top of the bridge trusses then passes over the old railroad bridge left by the Florida East Coast Railway. Today this land is all part of the Florida State Park system. Photo from Charles Anderson albums.
Just down the beach from our sunny picnic spot at Bahia Honda State Park, a toddler in a pink bathing suit scampered to her parents, carrying a handful of sand that she had scooped from below the gently unfolding surf. Her giggles carried on the wind as she dropped the sand into a vivid blue pail beside her mother’s beach chair, and went back for more.
Posted - Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is one of those places that should be required visiting for people coming to the Keys.
Posted - Friday, January 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST
