 A satellite image of Sugarloaf Key | |
  Sugarloaf Key  Sugarloaf Key | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulf of Mexico |
| Coordinates | 24°37′41″N81°30′50″W / 24.628°N 81.514°W /24.628; -81.514 |
| Archipelago | Florida Keys |
| Adjacent to | Florida Straits |
| Administration | |
| State | Florida |
| County | Monroe |
Sugarloaf Key is a single island in the lowerFlorida Keys that forms a loop on the Atlantic Ocean side, giving the illusion of separate islands. Although frequently referred to simply and with technical accuracy as "Sugarloaf Key", this island contains two distinct island communities, known asLower Sugarloaf Key andUpper Sugarloaf Key.
The name Sugarloaf, is variously attributed as arising from either an Indian mound on the east side of Upper Sugarloaf Key, north of the present highway was said to look like an old-fashionedloaf of sugar or from the variety of pineapple called "sugarloaf" that was once grown in the area.[1] These pineapples are rarely in commercial use any longer since they are soft and do not travel well. The unincorporated community ofPirates Cove on the island was the location of one of the stations of theOverseas Railroad.[citation needed]
The island is somewhat U-shaped, with Upper Sugarloaf Sound andPark Key separating the island into Upper Sugarloaf Key and Lower Sugarloaf Key. So called, upper and lower, simply referencing the relative nature of their geographic positions, not as distinct islands. Lower Sugarloaf Key is about 13 mi (21 km) fromKey West, between Park Key andSaddlebunch Keys and Upper Sugarloaf Key is about 15 mi (24 km) east ofKey West, between Park Key andCudjoe Key. Though Lower Sugarloaf Key has a greater density of population, it is smaller in area than Upper Sugarloaf Key.
Plant species native to the island includebuttonwood,poisonwood,sea grape andthatch palm.[2] Of fauna,ibises are found on the island, anddolphins,parrotfish,snapper,barracuda andoctopus can be seen in the local waters.[2]
Lower Sugarloaf Key has family owned Sugarloaf Lodge and restaurant, an airport, Sugarloaf Volunteer Fire Station, andSugarloaf Key Bat Tower.
Upper Sugarloaf Key has two public schools, a church, restaurant, commercial offices, public campground and theGreat White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
Covering 14 acres (5.7 ha),[3][page needed] Sugarloaf Key has the southernmostKOA campground in North America.[4]
U.S. 1 (or theOverseas Highway) crosses Upper Sugarloaf Key at approximately mile markers 19–20.5 and Lower Sugarloaf Key at approximate mile markers 16.5–17.5.
Sugarloaf Key is already part of the Overseas Highway and will soon join other islands of the Florida Keys as part of theFlorida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail connecting mainland Florida to Key West via bicycle path(s).
Notes
Bibliography
Media related toSugarloaf Key at Wikimedia Commons