Lower Sugarloaf Key facts for kids
Lower Sugarloaf Key is a part of a larger island called Sugarloaf Key. It's located in the lower Florida Keys, about 13 miles (21 km) east of Key West.
The famous U.S. 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, crosses this area. It runs between mile markers 16.5 and 17.5. Even though it might look like two separate islands, Lower Sugarloaf Key and Upper Sugarloaf Key are actually connected. They form one big U-shaped island!
Lower Sugarloaf Key is the "lower arm" of the main island. The "upper arm" is Upper Sugarloaf Key. Together, they create a loop on the Atlantic Ocean side. Inside this loop are Upper Sugarloaf Sound and Park Key. Lower Sugarloaf Key is smaller than Upper Sugarloaf Key, but more people live there. It's also known as Sugarloaf Shores.
This area has some important places. You can find the Sugarloaf Lodge and a restaurant here. There's also a small airport and a volunteer fire department, which helps keep everyone safe.
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The Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower
The Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower is a very interesting building with a unique story. It was built way back in 1929. Today, it's recognized as an important historic site.
Why the Bat Tower Was Built
A man named Mr. Perky had the tower built. His goal was to control the many mosquitoes in the Lower Keys. He hoped that bats would live in the tower and eat the mosquitoes.
What Happened to the Bats?
Unfortunately, Mr. Perky's plan didn't work out as he hoped. When the bats were brought to the tower, they flew away. They never came back to make the tower their home.
Mr. Perky's Dream City
Mr. Perky had big dreams for this area. He wanted to start a city and name it after himself. However, his dream city didn't become a reality. The huge number of mosquitoes in the area made it too difficult for the city to grow and succeed.
