Key Largo Relocation Guide
Welcome to Key Largo!
It is with great pride that the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, on behalf
of the Upper Keys business community, extends a very cordial welcome to
you.
Our communities, while small geographically, have large resources for a
truly abundant lifestyle. Our medical facilities and support groups are
the finest. Our educational facilities and programs are progressive and
broad in scope. Services for every aspect of living are available and offered
by your fellow residents.
Recreational offerings are many and varied due to our natural environment
and location, and are enhanced by the professional sportsmen in our communities.
Cultural arts are available for your pleasure and/or your own contribution.
We believe that our Keys are a little bit of paradise, and with extended
hand and a smiling face, we invite you to share our islands and call the
Keys your home.
In this, our Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Guide to Island Living,
we hope you wíll find most of the information which you may need
in relocating to our community.
Cordially
Ginna Thomas Drake
President
KEY LARGO HISTORY
The small island of Key Largo is not only known for its beauty but for its
rich history, as well.
Not long after Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492, adventurer
Ponce de Leon, in search of that illusive fountain of youth, sighted the
Florida Keys on Sunday, May 15, 1513. There is no record that any on the
ship even came on shore, but other later visitors did. The Spanish Explorers
named the island CAYO LARGO, the "long rock shoal".
While most of eastern North America has had continuous development for the
past 200 years, the Florida Keys, although discovered much earlier, remained
mostly undeveloped until the middle of this century.
Pirates came and went, chased by a fledgling U. S. Navy Pirate Fleet, established
here around 1822. Settlers followed while the native Indian population,
the Caloosa indians, and mainland tribes died out.
Those early settlers farmed in Key Largo and the Upper Keys, and productive
groves of Key limes, tamarind and breadfruit were common, as well as fields
of pineapples. The lower part of Key Largo became known as "Planters"
which is now the town of Tavernier. But mosquitos, combined with almost
yearly hurricane disasters kept expansion of Key Largoís small settlements
of Planter, Rock Harbor, Basin Hills, and High Mangroves to a minimum.
Henry Flaglerís "railroad that went to sea", begun in 1902
and completed in 1912, did little for Key Largo communities except to shift
transportation centers from the ocean (where coastal schooners had provided
the only mainland contact) to railroad stops. However, even this ceased
with the destruction of the railroad by the Great Hurricane of 1935. The
property was then purchased by the state for the new highway, known ever
since as Highway U.S. #1 or the Overseas Hwy.
The Key Largo area, so close to the mainland, yet so isolated from the amenities
of "civilization", has given its residents a strong sense of self
reliance. Even today, our water, electricity and supplies come from the
mainland. Most of our businesses are locally and/or family owned and operated.
Charter boats, dive shops, restaurants, lodging and some of the local media
are examples.
Much of the famous movie "Key Largo" was filmed here in 1948 at
what is today The Caribbean Club, a local watering hole.
The laid-back atmosphere of present communities and residents reflects those
times when early social life revolved around various church-related activities
and other secular organizations, in the absence of more cosmopolitan attractions
and activities.
So, as you enjoy the soft tropical breezes of your new home, with world-famous
reefs and fishing at your doorstep, pause to reflect on those days of the
not-so-distant past, when people much like you lived very simply, facing
nature at its best (and worst) - church picnics and rum-runners, mosquitoes
so thick each night that they blackened screens, if there were any, and
waiting for the ice boat to stop at Tavernier beach so the crew could make
coconut ice cream.
KEY LARGO FACTS
Area Elevations
Key Largo 14.4 square miles 5,186 acres 8 feet average elevation
Plantation Key 9.4 square miles 3,374 acres 8 feet average elevation
Population
Key Largo 11,336 Plantation Key 6,838 Total 18,174
Weather (Monthly Averages)
Month Maximum Temp. Minimum Temp. Rainfall Water Temp.
January 76.7 deg. 64.1 deg. 3.67" 73 deg.
February 78.4 deg. 64.4 deg. 1.48" 72 deg.
March 79.7 deg. 66.6 deg. 2.47" 73 deg.
April 83.0 deg. 68.7 deg. 1.43" 76 deg.
May 86.2 deg. 73.4 deg. 3.36" 78 deg.
June 88.5 deg. 77.1 deg. 7.36" 79 deg.
July 90.6 deg. 78.5 deg. 3.36" 82 deg.
August 90.4 deg. 78.3 deg. 5.66" 85 deg.
September 89.3 deg. 77.5 deg. 5.28" 85 deg.
October 85.4 deg. 74.0 deg. 5.09" 82 deg.
November 82.2 deg. 71.8 deg. 4.05" 78 deg.
December 78.1 deg. 66.4 deg. 2.18" 75 deg.
Source - NOAA Weather Station - Tavernier
Land Coordinates
Key Largo 25 deg. 05.1' N Latitude 80 deg. 26.7' W Longitude
Plantation Key 24 deg. 58.7' N Latitude 80 deg. 38.1' W Longitude
Local Radio Stations
WFKZ - 103.1 FM - 3000 wts WKLG - 102.1 FM - 3000 wts WCTH - 100.3 FM -
100,000 wts
State and Local Government Agencies And General Information
Everyone who lives in Monroe County is "officially a resident of Monroe
County." There are only three legally recognized cities: The Floirda
Keys, Key West, Key Colony Beach and Layton. Most citizens live in unincorporated
Monroe County, including the residents of such communities as Key Largo,
Tavernier, Islamorada and Marathon.
The Monroe County Commission, our legislative body, oversees normal city-like
services (although not to the same degree as cities). Other state agencies
also perform city-like services: the School Board, our Aqueduct Authority
(water), Sheriff, Tax Collector, Elections Supervisor, Property Appraiser
and Mosquito Control - all are non-county agencies - not controlled by the
Commission.
For that reason, youíll find a mixture of agencies in the list of
telephone numbers below. Although governmental agencies are listed, youíll
also find several consumer-related agencies as well.
Automobile Insurance
Florida requires that after 90 days of legal residency, residentís
vehicles must be covered by Florida "no-fault" insurance. For
more information, call .
Automobile Registration
New residents must register their vehicles and obtain Florida license tags
within 10 days of establishing legal residency, by the day they begin working
in Florida, or by the time they register their children in school. Proof
of ownership and insurance, as well as previous out-of-state title, a completed
State Form 82042 (vehicle identification number and odometer reading) are
required. In the Upper Keys, you may register your vehicle(s) and obtain
license tags at the Plantation Key Government Center, MM 88.7 (Tax Collectorís
Office). Their telephone number is .
Boat Registration
Registration is required on all boats with motors, regardless of size (including
jet-skis, etc.) A valid out-of-state registration of any pleasure craft
is recognized for up to 90 days in Florida. After that, Florida registration
is required. Fees vary according to the length of the boat. Newcomers from
out of state should bring their title and/or registration. Licenses and
registrations are obtained at the Plantation Key Government Center (Tax
Collectorís Office), whose telephone number is .
Building, Planning and Zoning
Fla. Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA)
Fla. Dept. of Environmental Regulation (DER)
Monroe County Code Enforcement
Monroe County Building Planning and Zoning
Courts
Clerk of the Circuit (State) Court Probation and Parole Office
Clerk - County Courts Public Defenderís Office
County Court Judges State Attorneyís Office
Driverís Licenses
A driverís license is required within 30 days of any driver who becomes
a resident of Florida, is employed in Florida, or registers a child in a
Florida public school. Also, a Social Security card is required for all
those applying for a driverís license. New residents are required
to pass only a visual examination if they have a valid driverís license
from another state. However, if you are a newcomer and applying for a license
for the first time in Florida, you must register your vehicle(s) first and
bring a copy of that registration with you.
A new license costs $20 and is valid for six years. License renewal is $15
and replacements cost $10. Drivers must be at least 16 years old to qualify
for a driverís license and 15 to get a restricted learnerís
permit. Check with your Keys school for attendance and special class requirements
prior to applying, school verifications will be required before a license
can be obtained for children under 18 years of age.
Driverís licenses are issued Tuesday thru Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM at
82765 Overseas Highway, MM 82.5, in Islamorada. Their telephone number is
.
General Information
Consumer Protection 1-800-HELP-FLA Monroe County Clerks Office
Job Service of Florida Mosquito Control - Key Largo
Key Largo Recompression Chamber: U.S. Customs
Emergencies 911 U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Questions 1-800-NO-BENDS U.S. Passport Office
Marriage Licenses U.S. Post Office:
Monroe County Library: Key Largo
Key Largo Tavernier Monroe Cty Animal Shelter
U.S. Veteranís Administration
Hunting and Fishing
Regulations require a non-resident to have a saltwater fishing license when
fishing from either a boat or land. A Florida resident may saltwater fish
from land without a license, but must have a saltwater license when saltwater
fishing from a boat, unless the fisherman is under age 16 or over age 65.
A freshwater fishing license is required for freshwater fishing for both
non-residents and Florida residents.
Licenses are available from the Tax Collectorís Office (Plantation
Key Government Center - ) or substations ranging from bait shops
to drug stores and discount stores.
Hunting licenses allow the hunting of any animal or bird in season except
on game reserves and posted private property without written permission.
Due to the natural geography of the Keys, and numerous endangered species,
very little hunting, if any, is done on the Keys, with many residents going
to the Mainland for their hunting.
For further information on freshwater fishing or hunting, call the Florida
Game and Freshwater Fish Commission at . For emergencies
or to report wildlife alert violations, call . For information
on saltwater fishing, call the Florida Marine Patrol at 1-800-DIAL-FMP.
Legislative
Monroe County Switchboard: State Rep-Keys
Administrative Offices State Senate - Keys
Monroe County Commissioners: Supervisor of Elections
Dist. 1 - Wilhelmina Harvey Tax Collector
Dist. 2 - Jack London U.S. House of Rep
Dist. 3 - Shirley Freeman Peter Deutsch
Dist. 4 - Keith Douglass U.S. Senate
Dist. 5 - Mary Key Reich Bob Graham
Property Appraiser Connie Mack
Police - Law Enforcement
F.B.I. U. S. Coast Guard
Fla. Highway Patrol U. S. Immigration & Naturalization:
Fla. Marine Patrol
Monroe Co. Sheriff U. S. Secret Service
Parks / Roads
Everglades Nat. Park John Pennekamp State Park
Fla. Dept. of Transp Monroe Co. Public Works
Harry Harris Park - Tavernier
Public School System
Coral Shores High School Monroe Co. School Board
Fla Keys Comm College Plantation Key Elem/Middle
Key Largo Elem/Middle School Bus Transportation
Seat Belt Laws
Florida law requires all front seat occupants in cars, pickup trucks and
vans operating on Florida roads to be buckled up, also, any child five and
under must be restrained by
a seat belt or approved car seat.
Social/Human Services
Agency on Aging Monroe County Social Services:
A.A.R.P. Nutrition Program
Fla. State Welfare (HRS) Mon Co. Public Health Dept
Medicare Monroe Co. Sr. Citizenís Cnt
Monroe Co. Social Services Monroe Co. Veteranís Affairs
Disabled Transportation Social Security 1-
Homemaker Program
Voting Registration
To be eligible to vote, you must declare Monroe County as your place
of permanent residence and be 18 years of age. There is no length of time
required residency, however, the registration books close 30 days prior
to an election. Qualified voters may register at the Chamber of Commerce,
banks, libraries and the office of the Supervisorof Elections at Plantation
Key Government Center, whose telephone number is
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
In our Upper Keys business communities of Key Largo, Tavernier and Plantation
Key, you'll find many professions (doctors, lawyers, travel agents, specialty
shops, contractors, etc.) with extremely competent personnel. Since we've
tried to list below only those which would be of immediate concern to persons
relocating to our area, please consult the Chamber Member Directory at the
end of this book or your telephone directory, once you've arrived, for your
special needs.
Banks
Barnett Bank Nations Bank
Key Largo Branch Key Largo Branch
Mile Marker 99.5 Oceanside Mile Marker 100 Bayside Tavernier Branch
Tavernier Branch
Mile Marker 92.2 Bayside Mile Marker 90 Bayside
First Union TIB Bank of the Keys
Key Largo Branch Upper Keys Office
Mile Marker 100 Bayside Mile Marker 106 Bayside
Key Largo Branch
Mile Marker 99.5 Oceanside
Tavernier Branch
Mile Marker 92 Bayside
Florida Keys First State
Key Largo Branch
Mile Marker 92 Bayside
Veterinarians - DVM
Animal Health Hospital- Veterinary Housecalls-
95165 Overseas Hwy Dr. George Baker
Key Largo Ocean Reef to Lwr Matecumbe
Key Largo Animal Clinic- Upper Keys Veterinary Clinic
MM Overseas Highway
Key Largo Plantation Key
Medical
Emergencies 911 Mariner's Hospital
Newspapers
Reporter (Wkly) - Keynoter (Bi-wkly) -
91655 U. S. Highway 1 99198 Overseas Highway
Tavernier, FL, 33070 Key Largo, FL, 33037
Free Press (Wkly) -
81549 State Rd 4-A
Islamorada, FL, 33036
Post Offices
Key Largo- Tavernier-
100100 Overseas Hwy 91982 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL, 33037 Tavernier, FL, 33070
UTILITIES
Electricity
Electrical service is provided by the Florida Keys Electric Co-op - a member-owned
utility. When you connect (or have billing transferred to your name), deposit
and other information is required. As a Co-operative (member-owned), we
purchase power at reduced rates from the mainland and enjoy a relatively
lower rate than elsewhere in Florida. The Co-opís main office is
located in Tavernier (MM 91.5) at 91605 Overseas Highway, and can be reached
at .
Gas
No pipe-line gas is available in the Keys. Household utility service is
provided by various propane tank service systems, one example is Homestead
Gas Company who can be reached at , In addition, various agencies
(located in the telephone book) provide small tank service filling for bar-b-ques
and RVís.
Recycling
Your solid waste bill includes a component to finance the Countyís
recycling efforts. At present, various recycling pick-up systems are being
tested in order to determine the most effective and cost-efficient for the
Keys area. Self-deposit bins for many recyclable items are located at principal
shopping centers and other locations (see the local newspaper or call
X4433.
Solid Waste
In Monroe County, the County Government has issued franchises for solid
waste (household and commercial) pick-up. You (or your landlord) are billed
annually with county taxes for service.
Your household entitlement consists of: 2 household garbage pick-ups per
week; 1 pick-up per week of yard trash , and on-call pick-up of household
"white goods" (sofas, refrigerators, etc., which are normally
generated by households). Call number below for pick up days and regulations.
The Upper Keys franchisee is Keys Sanitary Service (Key Largo through Venetian
Shores) who can be reached at .
Telephone
Telephone service is provided by Southern Bell. For home service, call
and business service call . Telephone directories can be obtained
at the Chamber of Commerce.
Television
In the Upper Keys, television service is obtained by one of three methods:
your own antenna system for VHF reception of the Miami channels (usually
requiring a 40' to 50' antenna height and power amplifier); the county-owned
and operated UHF "translator" system, consisting of 5 towers throughout
the Keys whereby Miami television stations are "translated" to
a UHF signal and re-broadcast to your own UHF antenna (consult the local
newspaper for channel conversions); and a franchised cable system, operated
by TCI Cablevision, Inc.at 88539 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, .
Water
Water service is provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, a state
agency,operated by an elected Board of Directors. Deposits are required
for connection of service. Since water must come from the mainland, and
is fairly costly, we all practice water conservation.
Connection is arranged at the Upper Keys office, at 91620 Overseas Highway,
MM 91.6, .
UPPER KEYS SCHOOLS
Coral Shores High School Island Christian School Fla. Keys Community College
Principal: Dr. Penny Hauser Principal: Michael Young Chris Ypsilanti
89901 Old Highway Overseas Hwy Old Hwy
Tavernier, FL, 33070 Islamorada, FL, 33036 Tavernier, Fl. 33070
Key Largo Elem/Middle School Plantation Elem/Middle School
Principal: Frankie McCormick Principal: Sandi Bisceglia
Rt 1 Box 100 Lake Road
Key Largo, FL, 33037 Tavernier, FL, 33070
All students in the Upper Keys attend Coral Shores High School. Elementary
and Middle School students living from north Key Largo to approximately
Mile Marker 95 attend Key Largo Elementary & Middle School, while those
south of approximately MM 95 attend Plantation Key Elementary & Middle
School.
Generally, those attending public school for the first time must present
the following upon registration: 2 documents showing proof of residence
(such as an electric bill, phone bill or voter registration card); a Certificate
of Immunization (HRS Form 680) or up-to-date shot record (Temporary admission
can be made while obtaining shots); proof of medical examination during
the past 12 months; and Kindergarten and first grade students must also
present a birth certificate to show proof of age. Schools themselves will
request transfer records from the previous school. Be sure to contact each
school prior to admission for additional requirements.
There are a number of Day Care and Pre-school facilities. Please consult
the telephone book for more information.
AREA CHURCHES AND SYNAGOGUES
Burton Mem. Methodist Immanuel Lutherun Church Lighthouse Christian Center
Pastor: Rev. Ray Gass Pastor: Rev. Richard Roseman Pastor; Rev. Ed Thomes
93001 Overseas Hy Ocean Dr Ponciana
Tavernier, FL, 33070 Tavernier, FL, 33070 Key Largo, FL, 33037
Church of God Jehovahís Witness San Pedro Catholic Church
Pastor: Rev. David McClellen Pastor: Rev. Gene Powell Father John McGrath
P O Box 14 Bunting P.O. Box
Tavernier, FL, 33070 Key Largo, FL, 33037 Tavernier, FL, 33070
Church of the Nazarene Key Largo Baptist Temple Seventh Day Adventist
Minister: Rev. James Smedley Pastor: Rev. Bill Pace Pastor: Rev. John Agard
MM P.O. Box P O Box
Key Largo, FL, 33037 Key Largo, FL, 33037 Key Largo, Fl. 33037
Coral Isles Community Ch. Key Largo Ch. of Christ St. James Fisherman -
Episc.
Minister: Rev. Ira Chace Rev. Steve Diany Rector: Rev. Ralph Johnson
MM Overseas Hwy P.O. Box
Tavernier, FL, 33070 Key Largo, Fl. 33037 Islamorada, FL, 33036
1st Baptist Ch. of Key Largo Keys Jewish Comm Cnt St. Justin - Catholic
Church
Rve. Dixie Glisson Jr. Bea Graham Father Ed. Olszewski
99001 Ovrs Hwy P. O. Box 105500 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL, 33037 Tavernier, Fl. 33070 Key Largo, FL, 33037
Civic Clubs
Civic Pride Key Largo Civic Club Upper Keys Citizens Assn.
Beverly Johnson Mary Mather Dagny Johnson
Conservation / Preservation Organizations
Fla. Conservation Assn. Garden Club- Upper Keys Old Tavernier Town Assn.
Bonnie Beall Lyn Shullow John Stormont
Fla. Wild Bird Rehab. Center Historical Preservation Soc. Reef Relief
Laura Quinn Jerry Wilkinson Devon Quirillo
Florida Keys Land/Sea Trust Izaak Walton League Sierra Club
Barbara Sagute Amy Knowles Dagny Johnson
Friends of the Everglades National Audubon Society Nature Conservancy
Mike Chenowith Wayne Hassman Terry Sullivan
Fraternal Organizations
Elks Lodge - BPOE Fraternal Order of Police Masonic Lodge #336
John Subic
Fraternal Order of Eagles Loyal Order of Moose Upper Keys Shrine Club
Carl Stubblefield Everette Albury
General Organizations
American Cancer Society Friends of the KL Library Le Leche League
Barbara Kruse Fred Feldman Carol Bissell
Coral Shores Lay Advisory Humane Society League of Women Voters
Joe Havel Margie Ingersoll Pam Martin
Daughters of the Am. Rev. Key Largo Road Runners Monroe Fine Arts Council
Jane Freund Norm Higgins Rebecca Huba
Lamaze, Upper Keys Key Players Natl Org for Women (NOW)
Becki Neeley Mary McDonald Maria Richardson
Human Service Organizations
AIDS Prevention Family Resource Center Hospice & Visiting Nurses
Alcoholics Anonymous Fla. Health Prof. Services Narcotics Anonymous
Big Brothers & Sisters Fla. Keys Children's Shelter Parents Anon.
Domestic Abuse Shelter Guidance Clinic - Upper Keys
Professional Organizations
Am. Assn. of Univ. Women Isla. Charter Boat Assn. Real Estate Action
Bus. and Prof. Women (BPW) Nat. Assn of Female Execs Upper Keys Hotel/Motel
Assn.
Penny Mason Itzik Laron
Fla. Keys Bd. of Realtors Organized Fishermen of Fla.
Nancy Shaw Sandy MacKinnon
Recreation Organizations
Community Rec. Assn. U. K. Sailing Club U.K. Athletic Assn.
Woman's Softball League
Janet Boyle
Service Organizations
American Red Cross Mariners Hospital Auxiliary Salvation Army
Lyn Shullow
Habitat For Humanity Parents For Teens Shriners - Upper Keys
Fran Collier Manny Emrich
Jaycees - Upper Keys Rotary Club - Key Largo United Way
Joanne Jacoby Dale Wolgast
Kiwanis - Upper Keys Rotary Club - Upper Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary
John Jabro Nick Mulick Flot.
Lions Club Upper Keys Youth Assn.
Tom Wonser Catriona Birnie
Scouting Organizations
Boy Scouts - Sea Base Boy Scouts - Troup 588 Girl Scouts
Sam Wampler Kathy Causey Kathy Evans
Veteran's Organizations
American Legion Auxiliary American Legion Post 333 Vets Council of MC
VFW Post 10211
Volunteer Emergency, Fire and Ambulance Organizations
Key Largo Vol. Fire Dept.
Tavernier Vol. Fire & Amb.
Key Largo Vol. Amb. Corps
Ocean Reef Fire Dept.
Upper Keys Assist Team
Hurricanes and Preparedness
In almost any area of the United States, one can expect some sort of natural
disaster: tornados in the mid-West, floods along almost any river or stream,
"nor-easters" in New England, "Santa Anas" in California,
earthquakes along the Pacific coast, and avalanches in almost any snow-prone
area.
South Florida and the Keys are no exception, except for one very important
factor: you generally know well enough in advance to do something about
protecting yourself and your personal property.
Even though Hurricane Andrew has been the only major storm in South Florida
in the past 30 years, periods of Keys history have had runs of severe storms
for several years, and even several severe storms in one year.
In moving to the Keys, one must not fear a hurricane happening, but one
must be prepared in the event one happens. Of course, once youíre
here, should a hurricane threaten, multitudes of information will be available
for you. However, just so youíll be prepared, listed below, please
find some basic facts upon which you may build:
1. Hurricane shelters are not for personal escape - evacuation to the Mainland
remains your only viable alternative. Additionally, shelters are only capable
of withstanding Category 1 and 2 storms (learn about these "categories"
when you are here) - in the most deadly storms (category 3, 4, and 5) shelters
will be closed.
2. Shelters are only for safe haven, as a last resort - although after a
storm, they serve as temporary shelter. Do not expect substantial meals,
comfort or medical care. Absolutely no pets, alcohol, or weapons are allowed
in shelters.
3. After you arrive, get a list of "things to do" from local lumber
stores, newspapers, etc., (particularly during August and September). These
lists provide information as to stocking of food supplies, boarding up of
structures, safety precautions, reserves of batteries, gasoline and lighting
supplies and "before" and "after" tips.
4. All Monroe County residents are issued car decals identifying occupants
as county residents. They are obtainable, once you arrive, at the Sheriffís
Substation on Plantation Key (MM 87). Following a hurricane, roadblocks
keep out "sight-seers" and others who might take advantage of
storm effect. Therefore, your sticker will provide return permission (when
allowed).
5. Donít listen to "old timers" "who survived Hurricane
David" (a very weak storm passing some 100 miles away) - The Keys has
not experienced a "killer" hurricane since Donna hit on Labor
Day in 1959. (Andrew, passing some 30 miles to our northeast left little
damage in Key Largo, although power was out for several days and emergency
supplies were at a premium.)
6. Do learn about hurricanes, be prepared for hurricanes, and take advice
from official sources should a hurricane threaten.
7. Plan to attend the annual Hurricane Preparedness seminar sponsored by
the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce each May. Call the Chamber for exact dates
and location.
See Membership Directory
for information about area businesses
Return to Key Largo Chamber Home Page
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