Soldier Key facts for kids
 Soldier Key
Location in Florida
Soldier Key
Location in North Atlantic
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 25°35′25″N 80°09′40″W / 25.590214°N 80.161035°W |
| Administration | |
| State | Florida |
| County | Miami-Dade |
Soldier Key is a small island in Biscayne National Park in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It sits between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This island is about three miles north of the Ragged Keys. It's also five miles south of Cape Florida on Key Biscayne. The mainland is about seven-and-a-half miles to the west. Soldier Key lies on something called the "Safety Valve." This is a natural sand bar that separates Biscayne Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. It helps to calm down big waves and storm surges before they reach the bay.
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Exploring Soldier Key's Geography
Soldier Key is a very small island. It measures about 200 yards (183 meters) long and 100 yards (91 meters) wide. The highest point on the island is only about six feet (under two meters) above sea level.
How Soldier Key Was Formed
This island is at the southern end of a natural process. Sand moves along the coast and helps build up barrier islands to the north. These islands include places like Key Biscayne. Soldier Key is also the northernmost place where you can see the Key Largo limestone. This limestone is actually fossilized coral reef. It forms the foundation of the "true" Florida Keys.
Plants and Buildings on the Island
Soldier Key is covered with grass and shrubs. These plants are typical for the Florida Keys. In 1894, people described the island as "thickly wooded." However, by 1955, the only wooded areas were mangroves. These trees grow along the edges of the island. In 1955, there were also a few buildings on Soldier Key. There was even a boat slip protected by jetties.
A Look at Soldier Key's History
Soldier Key has an interesting past. Around 1910, it was home to a place called the "Soldier Key Club."
Past Names of the Island
Over time, this island has had many different names. Some of its older names include "La Parida y su Figulo" and "La Parida y su Hijos." It was also known as "Laurence Key," "Little Soldier Key," and "Oswald Island." Another name was "Parida."
How Maps Showed Soldier Key
Today's maps show only one island at this spot. But many old maps and charts showed at least two islands here. This suggests the shape of the island might have changed over time.
Protecting Soldier Key from Development
In the late 1980s, a large company had plans for Soldier Key. They wanted to team up with a day cruise company. Their idea was to sell day trips to the island. This plan would have involved a lot of changes. They would have needed to dig up the bay bottom. They also planned to create an artificial beach. Plus, they wanted to build tiki huts and food stands. The island would have needed electricity and plumbing.
However, local people started a protest. They gathered hundreds of signatures from customers who promised to boycott the company. They even held a protest with about twenty boats. This event happened on the same day the first Gulf War started, so it didn't get much news coverage. Despite this, the local group eventually succeeded. The plans to develop Soldier Key were stopped. This shows how community efforts can protect natural places.
