Cudjoe Key Map

Description:

Description: This map shows where the island is located in Florida.

Cudjoe Key is an island located in the Lower Florida Keys in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is situated at approximately mile markers 20.5-23 on U.S. Route 1 (or the Overseas Highway), between Sugarloaf Key and Summerland Key. The island covers an area of about 10.45 square miles (27 sq km) and is primarily residential in nature. The name "Cudjoe" is believed to have originated from a Bahamian or Jamaican term for a short-tailed wild hog that once inhabited the island, although some sources suggest it may have been named after a Native American chief or a runaway slave.

The island is part of the Census-designated place (CDP) of Cudjoe Key, which had a population of 2,019 according to the 2020 census. Like most of the Florida Keys, Cudjoe Key has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons. The island's elevation is quite low, averaging just a few feet above sea level, making it vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surges. In 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall on Cudjoe Key as a Category 4 hurricane, causing significant damage to structures throughout the island.

Cudjoe Key is known for being the site of "Fat Albert," a tethered aerostat (blimp) that was part of the U.S. Air Force's Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS). This surveillance blimp, officially designated as an AN/DPS-5 surveillance radar, was used by the U.S. government for monitoring air traffic in the Florida Straits, particularly for drug interdiction operations. The aerostat was a notable landmark visible from many parts of the Lower Keys until it was decommissioned in 2013.

The island has limited commercial development, with most services located on nearby islands. Residents and visitors can find basic amenities such as a grocery store, gas station, and a few restaurants. Blimp Road Beach is a small local beach area accessible to residents and visitors. The island is connected to the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a multi-use path that runs alongside much of the Overseas Highway, popular for walking, jogging, and cycling.

Fishing, boating, and other water activities are popular recreational pursuits around Cudjoe Key, with several marinas and boat ramps providing access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding waters are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The island's location between Key West (approximately 20 miles to the west) and Marathon (about 25 miles to the east) makes it a convenient base for exploring the Lower Keys while enjoying a quieter, more residential atmosphere than the more tourist-oriented areas of the Florida Keys.