El Chico, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Chico, Florida
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|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Monroe |
| Elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
El Chico is a small place in Monroe County, Florida, in the United States. It's not a city or a town with its own local government. Instead, it's called an unincorporated community. This means it's part of a larger county area.
You can find El Chico in the lower part of the Florida Keys. This is a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida. El Chico is specifically located on an island called Big Coppitt Key. It's also part of a larger area known as a Census-designated place (CDP) called Big Coppitt Key. CDPs are special areas set up by the government for counting people in a census.
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Exploring El Chico's Location
El Chico is located at specific geographic coordinates: 24.598 degrees north latitude and 81.661 degrees west longitude. These numbers help pinpoint its exact spot on a map.
How High is El Chico?
This community sits at an elevation of 0 feet (or 0 meters) above sea level. This means it's right at the ocean's edge, which is common for places in the Florida Keys. Being at sea level means it's very flat and close to the water.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like El Chico doesn't have its own city government, mayor, or city council. Instead, it's governed directly by the county it's in, which is Monroe County.
How Does it Work?
- Services: Things like police, fire protection, and road maintenance are usually handled by the county government.
- Rules: Laws and rules for the area are set by the county.
- Identity: Even without its own government, an unincorporated community often has its own name and a strong local identity. People who live there feel like they belong to that specific place.
Life in the Florida Keys
Being in the Florida Keys means El Chico is part of a unique environment. The Keys are famous for their beautiful clear waters, coral reefs, and tropical weather.
Fun Facts About the Keys
- Island Chain: The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles (190 km).
- Overseas Highway: Many of the islands are connected by the Overseas Highway, which has amazing bridges over the ocean.
- Marine Life: The waters around the Keys are home to many different kinds of fish, corals, and other marine animals. This makes it a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
