Where's the beach? is an often-asked question from first-time Keys visitors, and it is harder to answer than one would think. Due to the fact that the Keys are built of hard coral rock or oolitic limestone,  long expansive beaches for walking miles cannot be found in the Keys. 

Islamorada's southernmost park, Anne's Beach, at Mile Marker 73.5 Oceanside has parking on the south and north end, an expansive boardwalk, about 10 elevated shade structures, bathroom, outdoor shower to wash off ocean water, and a miniscule beach unless the tide is low. A new handicapped-accessible boardwalk (completed late 2020) was funded by Islamorada infrastructure surtax, but there is hope that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) money will reimburse a portion of the $1.7 million renovation project. 

The project began in November 2018. Despite a lower bid from a Miami contractor, the contract went to a local vendor, Island Villa Construction. See the bid proposals here. 

According to Acting Village Manager/Finance Director Maria Bassett,  "FEMA/FDEM reimbursement for Hurricane Irma is still under review and pending; the project has not yet been obligated by FEMA."

Bassett added that Islamorada taxpayers were not the only contributors to the sales tax-based funding of this project. "The sales tax-based source of funding is Local Government Infrastructure Surtax – the additional 1% levied in Monroe County for capital projects pursuant to voter referendum. This sales tax is paid on purchases by residents, property owners, visitors, tourists, businesses, etc. This tax revenue source is accounted for in the Capital Projects Fund and is the main revenue source for that fund."

There's little doubt that an hour or more spent at Anne's Beach will renew your spirit.  Due to the shallow water, young kids are relatively safe. A net to scoop up land crabs or minnows will wallow away the time, but practicing catch and release is required. Kites or rafts may add to the fun. Just be sure to thank a former nearby resident, Anne Eaton, who cared for this stretch of land for your enjoyment . Eaton was instrumental in preserving its natural beauty and ensuring it became a public treasure, and thus it was named for her.