Many people dream of napping on hammocks in far away beaches, soaking up the sun and listening to the gentle waves touch the shore line. Most people can only hope to visit these island paradises on once in a lifetime summer vacations. But others dream bigger, and they want to move to the destination of their dreams. If you have often dreamed of living the island lifestyle, the Florida Keys is the place for you. From Key Largo to Key West, there is sure to be a home by the beach for everyone.

The first thing new residents of the Florida Keys will notice is that everyone seems to be running on a slower, more casual clock. “Island Time”, the locals call it, will take some getting used to. Things are more calm, more at ease. A lot of residents live as if they are always relaxing on the beach. This is noticeable as you take your first drive through the keys or are waiting on someone for an appointment. The Florida Keys is a truly beautiful place to live. If you find yourself on edge with the slower pace many drivers seem to take, a lot of people choose to travel by bicycle. Bicycles are welcome on the roads and in many areas well manicured and landscaped bike paths run alongside, and at a safe difference from, the highway. You can enjoy your morning bike ride by the ocean, passing gorgeous palm trees and other native plants along the way.

The Florida Keys has not been overrun by big city life. It feels like a small community of neighbors, where everyone knows each other. People are genuinely friendly and always on the lookout for others in need. There are very few chain stores. Most shops are locally owned and unique to the keys. The restaurants are special too, serving some of the most incredible food – especially seafood – you can find anywhere. It is a wonderfully unique place to live. For people looking for a small town experience to raise their children in, the Florida Keys is an excellent choice. For people who are just finding themselves too stressed out with the big city, with eight lanes of traffic, two Starbucks on every corner, and neighbors who you can’t even recognize, the Florida Keys is an excellent choice. For people looking for a dream life spent out on the water, the Florida Keys is the place to realize your dream. To start living the dream you need to locate your dream Florida Keys Home among the Florida Keys Homes for sale and Joyce Thomas, Lower Key Realtor can help make your dream a reality.

The fishing industry is alive and well in the Florida Keys. One of the most fun you can have out on the water fishing is by spear-fishing. Spear-fishing is a very old form of fishing. It can be traced back for thousands of years – even early civilizations were known to catch fish using sharpened sticks as spears. Today’s spear-fisherman uses specialized spear guns or slings, powered by elastic bands or compressed gas. Spear-fishing can be done while scuba diving, snorkeling, or free diving. Because the fisherman is in the water with the fish, it is a highly selective form of fishing with a minimal amount of by-catch. It is one of the most eco friendly ways of fishing today.

Any unprotected reef offers your best bet for fish that are available to spear. You can get to these reefs or coral heads by boat, or even sometimes right off the sand of beaches. Anyone who has access to a boat, whether because they own it or can charter it, can easily spear-fish right from their boat. It is a popular sport in the Florida Keys because of this – with miles and miles of reef and plenty of boat access, this fun and environmentally sound type of fishing is used by both commercial and recreational fishermen alike.

If you are scuba certified, you can always bring a spear-gun and stringer into the water with you on your next dive. If possible, stay about thirty feet off the bottom so that you can get a better view of all the fish. From this slightly elevated view, it is easier for the scuba diving spear-fishermen to shoot his pray. A free diving spear-fisherman should be able to hold his breath for 2 to 4 minutes in order to have an easier time to shoot fish, but even a novice can jump into the water with a spear gun and snorkel and have some fun. But it is important to remember that the fish may be aware of you. An experienced spear-fisherman will tell you to stay calm in the water; it is exciting, of course, to see a big grouper in your shot range, but if you react and start hurriedly swimming towards it, it will swim away from you. Stay calm and silently approach and the fish is easy prey. Just remember to keep a look out for sharks and have fun spear-fishing!

And when you are looking for Florida Keys Homes for sale, just use the Contact page to have Joyce Thomas, Lower Keys Realtor help you “catch” your Florida Keys Home.

No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without a stop in Key West. Key West is a very special island, known for being the southernmost point in the entire continental United States. There is something for everyone in Key West – whether your heart is out on the water or you feel at home in one of a kind boutiques, every member of your family will be satisfied with a trip to Key West. You can rent kayaks and head out to the flat back country of Key West, or go out on a smaller charter boat in search of dolphins in their natural territory. You can go deep sea fishing, scuba diving, or spearfishing. You can take a trip down the famous Duval Street and shop till you drop, with hundreds of stores unique to Key West. Duval Street is also home to many well known pubs and bars, including the world famous Sloppy Joe bar where Hemmingway hung out. There are many different museums to visit, including one dedicated entirely to the history of shipwrecks that occurred just off the Florida Keys. Or you can visit Hemmingway’s home or President Truman’s home. Key West offers some of the best seafood you will ever find in the entire country – you can even bring your own catch into most restaurants and they will cook it for you, just the way you like it!

In 2009, the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg was sunk to make an artificial reef in 140 of water just off the coast of Key West. It is the second largest ship purposefully shrunk as an artificial reef. It is open to the public for scuba diving. You can rent many different day charters on sailing catamarans or schooners to get a good view of the reef and all of its beautiful tropical fish in the sunlight. Or, you can even take one out on a night dive to get an entirely different view of the Vandenberg.

When the sun sets over Key West, the party starts. Mallory Square is a popular spot to view the sunset, offering a mostly unobstructed view of the sky and sea. Because of its popularity, many street performers gather just before and after the sun sets. Not only can you view a breathtaking, natural wonder, you can get an eyeful of a man juggling fire, a dog walking a tightrope, or a woman managing to free herself from a very Houdini-esque situation. No matter what the occasion or situation, there really is something for everyone in Key West! If you are looking for one of your own Florida Keys Homes for sale, use the Contact page to speak with Joyce Thomas, Lower Keys Realtor.

When you think of island living, you probably think of coconut flavored drinks, miles of white sand, and the ocean stretching out as far as you can see. You probably do not think about deer. But that’s the Florida keys for you – coconut flavored drinks, miles of white sand, ocean stretching out as far as you can see, and deer.

Key deer are an endangered species of deer indigenous to the Florida keys. They are primarily found in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key has the most landmass of any of the islands of the Florida keys, and is also home to many fresh water springs. Key deer are smaller than their northern cousins. The average shoulder height is 24 to 32 inches. A female deer, a doe, weighs on average between 45-65 pounds. A male deer, a buck, weighs about 55 to 80 pounds. You can always tell the difference between a for and a buck because fully mature bucks have antlers. Bucks will start to lose their antlers between April and March, but re-growth begins soon after. By June antlers are often visible again.

The rutting season kicks into high gear in September, gradually decreasing through December, though it may continue even until February. The gestation period for key deer is right around 200 days. Baby deer, fawns, are typically born from April to June. Their brown fur is covered in white spots and they only weigh between 2 to 4 pounds!

If you are driving through the keys you will not miss the key deer habitat. The speed limit in the National Key Deer Refuge – which has been established in Big Pine Key – drops down to the 30s at night. Though you may see key deer from the highway, it is advised that you do not stop to watch them, but instead travel to a traffic friendly area of big pine key to view the deer. There are nature trails set up along Key Deer boulevard if you feel like getting up close and personal with the deer. Or you can drive to the end of Key Deer boulevard or No Name Key to view key deer. These areas are part of the National Key Deer Refuge and are often filled with deer, ready for safe viewing.

If you would like more information on the key deer and it’s habitat, you can visit the information center in Big Pine Key. The Florida fish and wild life center has set up shop in the Winn Dixie plaza on Key Deer boulevard and is available on week days to answer any and all of your questions. And for any questions you have about Florida Keys Homes for Sale use the contact page to speak with Joyce Thomas, Realtor.

Spectacular Oceanfront Home Retreat. Have the whole family together but with three separate living spaces. This 5 bedroom, four and half bath, three private outdoor showers, has everything that you could possible need for your vacation. Three level main house on the ocean with great room, modern kitchen, master suite and studio room all is designed to catch the fresh sea breezes, gives an air of spaciousness with high cathedral ceilings. Enjoy the ever-changing view of the tranquil and shimmering ocean. There are two pool-side cottages that will accommodate four people in each. One has one king bed and two twins beds, and the other has four twin beds. Both have a bath, common setting area, and outside covered decks. The decks are totally screened enclosures, 2½ stories high, span over the pool area and connect all detached buildings with main house. Three level swimming pool and spa. Poolside level rooms of main house with sitting area, bar, TV, VCR, bath full laundry and exercise room. Multiple level decks, including “widows walk” overlooking the lush landscaping, pool and ocean. DSL broadband in main house and wireless router internet access covering the entire property. Large screen TV in main house with surround sound, DVD, VHS in great room. Total of 7 TV’s and a fax machine. Security includes remote control electronic gate with surveillance cameras and indoor monitors. Professional cleaning service, pool care and garden care weekly.

Indoor, outdoor, ocean side and poolside dining and social areas, along with Tiki Hut, ceiling fan, hammock and two ocean kayaks for use and ocean side shuffleboard court. For the boater there is a fish cleaning station along with boat basin for two boats (24′ Boats). You are just a short drive away from numerous restaurants, dive shops, marinas, banks, and post office, while Key West is 20 minutes away with its unique history and airport. Miami airport is three hours driving time.

For the visitor that seeks total relaxation this home is the perfect prescription.

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PROPERTY SPECIFICATIONS
5 bedroom / 4.5 bath home – Sleeps 10 people.
Rates: low US $16,500.00/mo – high US $19,500.00/mo
Non-smoking. No additional fee for cleaning.
It is a monthly rental, security deposit additional, Tax 12.50%

INCREDIBLE SUNSETS! This large two bedroom, two bath open water home has the best of boating access to the back country or the ocean reefs located in Pine Channel Estates. It will accommodate 4 people with its king size bed and a queen bed. Amenities include cable TV/DVD, stereo, dishwasher, microwave, grill, washer/dryer central air. The large concrete dock offers great boat dockage and the 20’ deep canal offers swimming and snorkeling, This home is conveniently located within the National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge, and minutes away from the New Big Pine Park and the Famous Bahia Honda State Park. The Island has dive shops, marinas, boat rentals, fishing and dive charters, banks, groceries, video stores, and restaurants. Key West Airport is 30 minutes away and Miami Airport is 3 hours away.

PROPERTY SPECIFICATIONS
2 bedroom / 2.0 bath home – Accommodates 4 people
Rates: low US $2,800.00/mo – high US $3,800.00/mo
Fees- cleaning additional, Security deposit additional, Tax 12.50%
Non-Smoking

This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home is the perfect location for serious fishermen, divers or those seeking the feel of older Keys living. Nestled among mature native hardwood trees, with a large shaded open back deck there is the feel of Old Florida. The near ground level design is a great convenience for those not wishing to deal with stairs. Inside you will find a well equipped kitchen, plus full width living and dining areas. The two bedrooms are located on the canal side of the home and each has its own entrance onto the huge rear deck. There is cable TV, VCR, stereo with CD, and a charcoal grill. For sleeping you will find a queen bed in each bedroom. There is a washer and a dryer. From the backyard and concrete dock there is excellent access to the Atlantic with it coral reefs. Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is about 5 miles distant and the Gulf Stream is only a few miles further. The Gulf and back country are just a short run to the north. Nearby you will find a full service marina, tackle and dive shops, grocery store, shops, restaurants, post office, banks and convenience stores. To the south, another 30 minutes drive is historic Key West with its fine dining, unusual shopping and points of interest. To the north, within 15 minutes is Bahia Honda State Park and its world class beaches.

PROPERTY SPECIFICATIONS
2 bedroom / 1.0 bath home – Accommodates 4 people
Rates: low US $2,200.00/mo – high US $2,800.00/mo
Fees- cleaning additional, Security deposit additional, Tax 12.50%
Non-Smoking

Come and spend your vacation in this very nice home located in a quiet area on Little Torch Key. This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is situated on a good canal with some open water view. A well designed and fully equipped kitchen compliments the open living/dining area. There is a large and airy screened porch overlooking the canal and dock area. The amenities include TV, VCR, stereo with CD, central A/C, washer/dryer and barbecue grill. For sleeping you will find 2 queen beds, a double and a sofa sleeper. Grocery stores, fuel, convenience stores, gifts shops, dive and tackle shops, restaurants, a full service marina, banks, post office and much more are to be found within a very short drive. The world renowned beach at Bahia Honda State Park is a short 15 minute drive. Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is just 5 miles offshore for the diver/snorkeler. For the fisherman or explorer, boating access to the Atlantic and Gulfstream, or the Gulf and backcountry is very good. There are outstanding dining options locally or in Key West, just a short half hour drive. You will also find lots of history, natural history, scenery and shopping along the way. Miami International is 3 hours north.

PROPERTY SPECIFICATIONS
3 bedroom / 2.0 bath home – Accommodates 6 people
Rates: low US $3,200.00/mo – high US $4,200.00/mo
Fees- cleaning additional, Security deposit additional, Tax 12.50%
Non-Smoking

Direct Ocean Front 2 Acre Gated Resort in Prestigious SUMMERLAND BEACH ESTATES. Deep water access with your own private weather protected canal & concrete seawall, dockage, boat basin w/lift & davits. Main living area includes Towering Wood Beamed Ceilings, huge master suite w/open water views screened & heated Gunite Pool with Hot Tub, large 3 Car Garage.

This setting of deep water and protected concrete seawall dockage, boat basin w/ lift and Oceanfront too is a Rare find. 3 bedrooms,3 bath home has 3,030 sq.ft Along with the 2 acres,upstairs main living area kitchen, large pantry, dining,living room, large open deck, huge master suite with two large closets and open water views.

Down stairs offers two bedrooms and two full baths, laundry room, tackle room, outdoor shower,large garage with lots of storage for your water toys. Ocean Views Galore!!!

YOU NEED TO SEE THIS ONE! Vacant and easy to show.

PROPERTY SPECIFICATIONS
Location: Summerland Key
Price: $2,200,000.00

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PRICE REDUCED!! MUST SELL!!!! Owner has purchased another home to be close to grandkids in NJ.This home is located in Summerland Key’s most coveted community.3BD/3BA,Ocean Front Home. 60 feet of deep water boat dockage w/lift. From this location you will be minutes from the BEST Fishing & Diving in the Florida Keys 2 large porches, huge great room plus TV room and a large spacious kitchen. New AC, Shutters, plenty of room for a pool. Short drive to Key West.

PROPERTY SPECIFICATIONS
Location: Summerland Key
Price: $975,000.00

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