The island was considered the 'Gibraltar of the West' because of its strategic location on the 90-mile (140 km)–wide deep shipping lane, the Straits of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. While claimed by Spain, no nation exercised de-facto control over the community there for some time. The island was used by fishermen from Cuba and from the British Bahamas, who were later joined by others from the United States after the latter nation's independence. As Florida became a Spanish colony, a fishing and salvage village with a small garrison was established here.

The first European to visit was Juan Ponce de León in 1521.

My server was very kind and attentive, which seems to be the opposite when you travel solo, so it was nice to have great service.In Pre-Columbian times Key West was inhabited by the Tequesta and Calusa peoples. The service was some of the best I’d had in the Keys this trip. The pizzas looked really good coming out, so I’ve already got dinner planned tonight to snag a pizza on my way back from the beach. I appreciated all the sauce on the pasta though, it definitely tasted homemade. The chicken wasn’t great, so I’d skip it next time, I prefer mine grilled and this was pan seared and diced up, but likely precooked and reheated based on texture. It came with a little bread loaf and salad. I’ve eaten here in several trips to the Keys and always had good Pizza but I was wanting something different after all the. I ordered the fettuccini Alfredo with chicken. Great spot for Pizza and Pasta when you’re looking for something good and well priced. Restaurants for Special Occasions in Key Largo.Restaurants for Group Dining in Key Largo.Romantic Seafood Restaurants in Key Largo.Caribbean Restaurants for Lunch in Key Largo.American Restaurants for Families in Key Largo.

Hotels near Florida Keys Visitor Center.

Hotels near Islander Girl Snorkel &Tours.

Hotels near Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center.

Hotels near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

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