Background and Information on the Florida Keys

Many believe that Key West was built on the exaggerated Florida Keys fishing tales of Papa Ernest Hemingway. The Florida Keys are one of the country's best vacationing spots, and it is home to the nation's only living coral reef. No matter which Key you visit, the Florida Keys is a great choice to spend your hard earned vacation time. The Florida Keys consist of a group of islands that stretch out 106 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Keys have a lot of history behind them.

Deer

Approximately the size of a golden retriever but having the deer's distinctively graceful shape, the Florida Key deer is found only on the Florida Keys. "They're a bit smaller, their faces are a bit wider and their noses are a bit shorter, which makes them look like a toy deer -- sort of like a little fawn, even when they're adults. More than 30 years ago, Florida's Key Deer was named an endangered species -- as few as 250 of the animals remained.

Virtually all of the Key Deer herd is found on two islands in the Florida Keys. From stalking bonefish in the flats, to fighting giant Blue Marlin in the Gulf Stream, Key West offers an abundance of Florida Keys fishing options for both the novice fisherman and the experienced angler.

The weather in the Florida Keys remains almost predictably pleasant. Located in Big Pine Key is the National Key Deer Refuge, where you can catch glimpses of the protected Key Deer, which is a native to the Florida Keys.