Egmont Key & Turtles

Accessible only by private boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history.  The Fort DeSoto Ferry crosses the Egmont Channel to take visitors to this island.  

The lighthouse on Egmont Key is visible from Fort DeSoto Park.  Lieutenant Napoleon Coste reported a need for nagivational aid on Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay in 1837, but it was not until 1845after Florida had become a state that Congress was petitioned to build a light house.  In 1847 Congress granted $10,000.    It was not until 1848 that Shesrrod Edwards, the first keeper, activated the light at the Egmont Key Lighthouse.  

Fort Dade (sister to Fort DeSoto) was  built in 1898 about the time of the Spanish American War remained open until 1923.  It saw little action and served mostly as a Seminole prison.  At one time there were 300 residents at Fort Dade, but today there are no residents of Egmont Key.

Ferry taking visitors to the island

Turtle Tracks

Turtles are everywhere around Egmont Key.  We had fun feeding them.  The ranger told us that they trap racoons and opossum to protect the turtles from danger.  We were stunned at the friendliness of the turtles.  

Joy