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39-471: The original Jewfish Creek beam bridge opened for traffic in 1944 along with the current stretch of the Overseas Highway between Florida City and Key Largo (locally known as the 18 Mile Stretch). Prior to this, the Overseas Highway was connected to the mainland via the nearby Card Sound Bridge (which at the time was also a small drawbridge). The current route was built along the original right of way of

78-522: A tropical savanna climate ( Aw ). Frost has never been recorded on the island. Key Largo enjoys close to 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Florida City, Florida Florida City is a city in Miami-Dade County , Florida, United States. It is the southernmost municipality in the South Florida metropolitan area . Florida City is primarily a Miami suburb and a major agricultural area. As of

117-412: A subsequent ice age . The highest elevation is a slight ridge forming the spine of the island, which rises to about 15 feet (4.6 m). The island's substrate is called Key Largo limestone ; in many places, fossilized corals and smooth, eroded limestone "caprock" are visible at the surface. Solution holes, which are pockets dissolved in the limestone by acidic rainwater, form shallow depressions in

156-523: Is situated between Everglades National Park , to the northwest, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , to the east, the first underwater park in the United States. The latter state park protects part of the Florida Reef , the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Barrier reefs are critical to coastal communities and environments as they are able to dissipate up to 97% of

195-618: Is situated mostly atop a limestone ridge called the Miami Rock Ridge that extends south from present day North Miami Beach to a location in Everglades National Park . The ridge, consisting of Miami limestone , serves as the higher ground within the community. The ridge extended from northeast to southwest across the city. The old location of the Florida East Coast Railway track marks the approximate boundary of

234-626: Is the largest section of the keys, at 33 miles (53 km) long. It is one of the northernmost of the Florida Keys in Monroe County , and the northernmost of the keys connected by U.S. Highway 1 (the Overseas Highway ). Three census-designated places (CDPs) are on the island of Key Largo: North Key Largo (near the Card Sound Bridge ), Key Largo (roughly 8–9 miles (13–14 km) from

273-634: The 2020 United States census , there were 13,085 people, 3,050 households, and 2,247 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 11,245 people, 2,883 households, and 2,216 families residing in the city. Based on 2010 data, the ancestries of only the Hispanic and Latino population from highest to lowest were as follows: Mexicans made up the 42.52%, Cubans were at 19.13%, Central Americans accounted for 13.37%, Puerto Ricans totaled 12.87%, and South Americans were 3.74% of all residents. In 2000, 46.5% had children under

312-577: The 2020 census , it had a population of 13,085, up from 11,245 in 2010. The city lies to the south and west of, and is contiguous with, Homestead . Both cities suffered catastrophic damage in August 1992 when Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida. The city originated as a land promotion named "Detroit". There were no buildings in the area when the first thirty families arrived in 1910, and they had to stay in Homestead until their houses could be built. The name

351-565: The Calusa and the Tequesta . The earliest description of the area and its inhabitants was by Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda , a survivor of a shipwreck who lived among the Calusa people from 1549 to 1566. The earliest reference to Key Largo is found on a map prepared in 1639 by Dutch cartographer Johannes Vingboons , in which it is named Caio des 12 Leguas (islet of twelve leagues ). Some time later, it

390-569: The Florida Keys , Florida City also serves as the gateway to the main section of Everglades National Park . Florida City is located at 25°27′05″N 80°29′04″W  /  25.451331°N 80.484383°W  / 25.451331; -80.484383 . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 6.1 square miles (16 km ), of which 0.07 square miles (0.18 km ), or 1.14%, are water. As of

429-512: The Overseas Railroad , which shortened the driving distance between Florida City and Key Largo by nearly 14 miles (23 km). The United States Navy , which continues to have a large presence in Key West , sought an improved access to the mainland during World War II , which is the reason the Overseas Highway was rerouted onto the former railroad right of way. The original Card Sound Bridge

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468-546: The Long Pine Key picnic area.) These pine rocklands were crushed by equipment and converted to farmland during the 1900s. Tomatoes, squash, and other truck crops were grown in the area during the winter months and packed at the Florida City State Farmers' Market near Krome Avenue and Palm Drive, driving the local economy throughout the 1900s. East of the natural ridge was a broad area of marshlands surrounding

507-611: The World" as the living coral reefs , a few miles offshore, attract thousands of scuba divers , sport-fishing enthusiasts and scientific researchers each year. Key Largo's proximity to the Everglades also makes it an ideal starting point for scientists, kayakers and ecotourists , among others. Automotive and highway pioneer (and Miami Beach developer) Carl G. Fisher built the Caribbean Club in 1938 as his last project. Key Largo

546-419: The age of 18 living with them, 35.6% were married couples living together, 34.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.1% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.48 and the average family size was 3.95. In 2000, the city population was spread out, with 39.7% under

585-469: The age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $ 14,923, and the median income for a family was $ 18,777. Males had a median income of $ 23,622 versus $ 20,060 for females. The per capita income for

624-469: The area. Old timers of Florida City called these coastal glades the "East Glade". This was an extension of Everglades that extended from areas west and south of Florida City to its east. East of the East Glade, marshlands gave way to mangrove swamp prior to reaching Biscayne Bay. Soils in the East Glade primarily consisted of a limey soil called Biscayne Marl. Development schemes in the East Glade led to

663-423: The city was $ 8,270. 43.3% of the population and 41.7% of families were below the poverty line . 57.1% of those under the age of 18 and 25.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. As of 2000, English was spoken as a first language by 65.64% of the population, Spanish speakers made up 28.33% of all residents, and French Creole was spoken by 6.03% of the populace. As of 2020, Florida City

702-498: The construction of canals in the early 1900s. This led to a lowering of water tables. Although development the East Glade was not extensive prior to the 1980s, agricultural development did occur. Potatoes were the primary crop grown in the East Glade before the construction of extensive housing developments within the areas annexed by the City of Homestead in the late 1970s. Potatoes mostly were harvested from February to March. Florida City

741-491: The entire stretch of U.S. 1 between Florida City and Key Largo. In addition to the drawbridge, the current bridge allowed for the removal of the Lake Surprise Causeway, which dated back to the days of the railroad, restoring the natural water flow into Florida Bay . The project also included the addition of a jersey barrier between the northbound and southbound lanes throughout, passing lanes in various locations, and

780-460: The film's success, pressure from local businesses resulted in a change in the name of the post office serving the northern part of the island, from "Rock Harbor" to "Key Largo", on June 1, 1952. After that, every resident north of Tavernier had a Key Largo address and the postmark read "Key Largo". The island of Key Largo is an exposed, fossilized remnant of a coral reef formed during a period of higher sea level and then uncovered and eroded during

819-470: The hammock was cleared for the camper park, but much of the hammock remained undisturbed to the south of Davis Parkway and NW 1st Road before the late 1970s. Florida City today serves as the southern terminus of the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike . Motels and eateries are located along US 1 before taking the highway south into the Florida Keys. Along with serving as the mainland entrance to

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858-462: The island's southernmost point) and Tavernier (at the island's south end). As of 2010, these three CDPs have a combined population of 13,850. None of Key Largo is an incorporated municipality ; it is governed, at the local level, by Monroe County . Key Largo is connected to the mainland of Miami-Dade County by two routes, the first being the Overseas Highway —the southernmost portion of U.S. Highway 1 —which enters Key Largo at Jewfish Creek (near

897-430: The land. The natural shoreline of the island is generally rocky. A slippery, gray, limestone-based clay called " marl " is the shoreline and near-shore soil. No natural sand beaches occur on the island. Inland, decomposed vegetation forms a rich, acidic humus soil up to about 6 in (15 cm) thick, topped by " leaf litter ". The soil supports a diverse flora of herbaceous plants, woody shrubs, and hardwood trees. Key Largo has

936-500: The late 1970s. Fill was obtained as waste rock from a nearby rock cutting operation (utilizing Key Largo Limestone, a local coral rock) and was allowed to be dumped in the location by the landowners. Today, this portion of Long Slough serves as a housing development. An additional natural feature existed along Davis Parkway, extending into the Florida City Camper Park. This feature was a live oak hammock . The understory of

975-474: The location of the limestone ridge south of Davis Parkway. The range of elevation of the ridge is from 5 to 8 feet (1.5–2.4 meters) above sea level. Before settlement, the ridge was vegetated by South Florida Slash Pine trees, which were alternatively known as Dade County Pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) . (Remnants of these pines can be seen today in local parks and in Everglades National Park at

1014-400: The main bridge provide access to Jewfish. The side and median barriers of the bridge are painted "Belize Blue," which was recommended by marine artist Robert Wyland . 25°10′53″N 80°23′00″W  /  25.1813°N 80.3834°W  / 25.1813; -80.3834 Key Largo Key Largo ( Spanish : Cayo Largo ) is an island in the upper Florida Keys archipelago and

1053-502: The mainland north of the Florida Keys . The southern terminus of the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike where it ends at its junction with U.S. 1 is located in Florida City. Homestead is immediately north and east of Florida City, and these two cities comprise the greater Homestead-Florida City area. Some of the notable unincorporated communities in the area are Redland , Leisure City , Naranja , and Princeton . Florida City

1092-412: The middle of the island) before turning southwest. The second route is via Card Sound Road, which connects to the northern end of Key Largo and runs southeastward, connecting with County Road 905 , which runs southwest and joins U.S. 1 at about mile marker 106. These routes originate at Florida City on the mainland. Key Largo is a popular destination for many. It has been dubbed the "Diving Capital of

1131-403: The oceanic wave forces exerted during hurricanes and other tropical storms, with the reef serving as a protective buffer against flooding further inland. The barrier reef, itself, provides over $ 675 million in storm surge protection, annually. When Europeans first arrived in the Florida Keys in the 16th century, the area was uninhabited or only sparsely inhabited by indigenous peoples such as

1170-413: The replacement of the non-functional C-111 canal drawbridge with a small fixed bridge. The current structure is 65 feet (20 m) tall. It carries two lanes separated by a Jersey barrier , and also features outside berms to prevent road pollutants from entering Florida Bay . Although the bridge bypasses the community of Jewfish , which is home to a marina and other businesses, exit ramps exist off of

1209-686: The slough entered the East Glade. Long Slough was a slow flowing body of water that originated in the Everglades just south of the Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport . As canals were constructed in the 1900s, and especially the 1960s, the slough was drained and became a low valley in the limestone ridge. Roadways (such as Redland Road near West Homestead Elementary School, NW 6th Avenue north of Davis Parkway, and NW 3rd Avenue about fifty feet north of NW 3rd Street) had culverts constructed under them to allow water to pass through

Jewfish Creek Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue

1248-470: The slough. NW 4th Street east of NW 5th Avenue dead ended near the approximate location where a fictional NW 4th Avenue would intersect that street. During the late 1980s, the street was constructed to reach NW 3rd Avenue since water in the slough had been drained away. Eventually fill was added to the slough and it was destroyed. Extensive filling operations were conducted in Long Slough near NW 3rd Avenue in

1287-401: Was changed to "Florida City" when the town incorporated in 1914. It has a small historic area, but much of the city is hotels and other tourist facilities. The city is at the eastern end of the only road running through the Everglades National Park , which terminates at Flamingo . Florida City is the southernmost city in the United States which is not on an island. It is also the last stop on

1326-488: Was closed to vehicular traffic after the completion of the Jewfish Creek Bridge and its remains were destroyed by a fire shortly afterward. The current Card Sound Bridge opened in 1969, restoring the original route and giving the Florida Keys two vehicular accesses to the mainland. The Jewfish Creek drawbridge was replaced by the current bridge on May 22, 2008, as a part of larger $ 300 million project to reconstruct

1365-505: Was established at "Cayo Largo" (in the current Rock Harbor area). It closed and another was opened called "Largo" in 1881. Additional post offices opened in Planter in 1891 and Aiken in 1895. The island gained fame as the setting for the 1948 film Key Largo , but apart from background filming used for establishing shots, the film was shot on a Warner Bros. sound stage in Hollywood. After

1404-415: Was historically bisected by a slough . Sloughs commonly were found crossing the limestone ridge at a roughly perpendicular angle from Miami to Florida City. Florida City's slough (officially called "Long Slough" or "Long Glade Slough") entered the city near Redland Road and Lucy Street, and extended across the city to the southeast to a location near today's NW 3rd Street and NW 3rd Avenue. East of this point,

1443-470: Was named Cayo Largo — meaning long islet — by Spanish explorers. In 1770, Dutch surveyor Bernard Romans reported that the area was uninhabited, although evidence was found that indigenous people visited the area from time to time. By the end of the Third Seminole War in 1858, the area was under control by the United States government, though it remained largely uninhabited. In 1870, a post office

1482-761: Was originally the Dade Correctional Institution Annex, and the Homestead CI was originally the Dade Correctional Institution; the two received their current names on July 1, 2003. The United States Postal Service operates the Florida City Post Office. Florida City is a part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. Florida City is zoned to: In addition Rise Academy-South Dade Charter School

1521-548: Was rated as the number one "most dangerous" city in the state of Florida. Within a population of 11,826, it had a violent crime rate of 2,908.8 per 100,000. The poverty rate of the city was listed at 14%. The Florida Department of Corrections operates the Dade Correctional Institution and the Homestead Correctional Institution in an unincorporated area near Florida City. The Dade CI

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