About Matecumbe
Upper Matecumbe Key is an island in the upper Florida Keys.[1]
U.S. 1 (or the Overseas Highway) crosses the key at approximately
mile markers 79—83.5, between Windley Key and Lower Matecumbe Key.
All of the key is within the Village of Islamorada as of November
4, 1997, when it was incorporated.
The island lies to the southwest of Windley Key, and to the northeast
of Lower Matecumbe Key.
The history of the names of both this key and Lower Matecumbe Key
are very confusing, as identical names have been used at different
times to designate both keys. Upper Matecumbe Key is the location
of the original settlement site of Islamorada. There are a number
of Indian mounds and habitation sites located here.
Lower Matecumbe Key is an island in the upper Florida Keys.
It is located on U.S. 1 between mile markers 75--78.
All of the key is within the Village of Islamorada as of November
4, 1997, when it was incorporated.
It is home to the main base of the Florida National High Adventure
Sea Base.
The island lies to the southwest of Upper Matecumbe Key, and to the
northeast of Craig Key.
This key is the site of a number of Indian mounds and middens, most
of which were destroyed during the building of the Overseas Railroad.
A number of natural wells were also located here, at the northeast
end of the key. These wells were well known to early seafaring men
as the most reliable source of fresh water in the Keys. They, too
were destroyed during the railroad era, and the location of their
site has been lost. The southwestern end of the key is the site of
a former sand mining operation.
Anne's Beach is located at Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida.
This Islamorada Beach is dedicated to local environmentalist Anne
Eaton. There are 2 parking lots approximately 1/4 mile apart on
US-1 at MM 73. Anne's Beach features a shallow swimming area, covered
picnic tables, boardwalk and bathroom facilities.
This Keys Beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean, but there is almost
no wave action, due to the wide expanse of shallow water typical
for Florida Keys beaches. Visitors can enjoy the clear and warm waters
year round.
Typical of Anne's Beach is the shallow and warm to very warm waters
all year around that one can stay in for hours enjoying the sun.
The sandbar is composed entirely of calcium carbonate.
Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.
Directions: Mile Marker 73, Overseas Highway, Lower Matecumbe Key,
oceanside.
Includes: Boardwalk.
Features: Restrooms and Picnic Tables.
