Fat Deer Key is an island in the Florida Keys archipelago that lies south from the southern tip of Florida and is part of the Florida Overseas Highway. The nearest towns are Marathon, Florida and Key Colony Beach, Florida. The State’s Overseas Highway Route 1 slices through Fat Deer Key as well as the other keys leading to Key West, the southernmost point in the United States.
The City of Key Colony Beach
Most of the City of Key Colony Beach lies on Shelter Key but a portion is also on Fat Deer Key. The City was incorporated in 1957 after developments were done in the area by Phil Sadowski. The majority of the residents in this city live on canals giving them easy access to the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico.
The City of Marathon
Marathon has not been incorporated as long as Key Colony Beach. It was incorporated in 1999. The history of Marathon’s name lies in the building of the Florida East Coast Railroad. A couple railroad workers named Katrina and Nelson worked on the building of the railroad what seemed like around the clock. Thus, they named the town Marathon. One of the interesting things about Marathon is that it stretches across the islands: Long Point Key, Fat Deer Key, Knight’s Key, Boot Key, Key Vaca, Crawl Key and Grassy Key
What You Can Do around Fat Deer Key
The City of Marathon is popular for its sport fishing. There are several chartered fishing boats that depart its piers daily. Like all of the Keys, the underlying foundation is coral and you can go snorkeling, diving, and even spear fishing. Since it is a population center with easy access by Highway 1, the city has numerous seafood restaurants.
There is also the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center where you can tour and experience the natural history of this area. The museum has educational tours that tell about the history of this region plus tell visitors about the local marine life and wildlife. You can walk on nature trails and take in one of the hardwood hammocks found throughout the Florida Keys.
In the City of Key Colony Beach, you can also partake of activities like fishing and boating. This city has numerous businesses to include chartered fishing, boat rentals, dive and tackle shops, convenience stores, and even a 9-hole par-3 golf course. The city also has several events throughout the year, one of them being its birthday celebration known as Key Colony Beach Day. On this day, visitors can enjoy live music, food, and whatever else they offer for the celebration.
Boating Around the Island
Navigation for anchorage is relatively easy around Fat Deer Key. It is recommended that a boat can draw 4 ½ feet or less. There is also sufficient swing room for most vessels. Because Vaca Cut is so close to these waters, the currents tend to be strong therefore it is strongly recommended that you make sure the anchor of your boat is set well.