OHIO KEY

• USBPY
• Latitude: 24.6717
• Longitude: -81.2494
• Gulf of Mexico
• Marina in US

Location: US

Ohio Key is a small island in the lower Florida Keys, situated in Monroe County, Florida, USA. While it is most notable for its natural beauty, featuring mangroves, shallow waters, and rich marine life, it does not have an extensive marine port facility that accommodates large-scale commercial shipping or extensive maritime activities like those found in major ports. Here is a general description more suitable for Ohio Key and its surroundings:

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 24.6967° N latitude and 81.1478° W longitude.
• Region: Lower Florida Keys, within Monroe County, Florida.

General Description

Ohio Key is characterized by its pristine natural environment, including mangroves, clear shallow waters, and a vibrant ecosystem. It is primarily visited for recreational purposes such as fishing, boating, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Marine Facilities

Ohio Key itself does not have a large commercial port. However, nearby areas within Monroe County and the Florida Keys provide several amenities:

• Docking Facilities: Small private docks suitable for small to medium-sized boats.
• Marinas: Nearby islands and keys have full-service marinas that can accommodate larger vessels.
• Mooring: Some mooring options are available in the vicinity for transient and long-term stays.

Navigation and Accessibility

• Water Depths: Generally shallow waters, suitable for small watercraft.
• Navigation Channels: Accessible via marked channels but requires local knowledge due to the presence of shallow reefs and sandbars.

Services Available

• Fuel: Limited fueling options nearby; major fueling available at larger marinas in adjacent keys.
• Repair and Maintenance: Basic repair services can be accessed in larger marinas in the region.
• Provisions: Nearby keys or the U.S. mainland provide provisioning options.

Regulations and Restrictions

• Protected Areas: Parts of the waters around Ohio Key may be under environmental protection, so specific boating and fishing regulations apply.
• Anchorage Restrictions: Anchoring may be restricted in certain areas to protect the seabed and marine life.

Points of Interest

• Bahia Honda State Park: Located on Bahia Honda Key, just south of Ohio Key, offers beautiful beaches, a marina, and camping facilities.
• Pigeon Key: Near the Seven Mile Bridge, historically significant and accessible by boat or a pedestrian bridge.

Environmental Characteristics

• Flora and Fauna: Rich in marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and various bird species.
• Climate: Tropical marine climate with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet and dry season.

Nearby Transportation

• Highway Access: Accessible via U.S. Highway 1 (Overseas Highway).
• Airports: Closest major airport is Key West International Airport, approximately a 40-minute drive from Ohio Key.

Summary

Ohio Key is a serene and environmentally rich island that caters mainly to recreational boating and outdoor activities. While it lacks large port facilities, nearby marinas and amenities in the Florida Keys provide necessary services to boaters and tourists.

For precise navigation, services, and environmental guidelines, it is advisable to consult local resources or marine charts specific to the Florida Keys area.