Lovers Key

HISTORY AND NATURE In the early 1900s the islands were accessible only by boat. It was said that only lovers made the effort to get to this romantic island – thus the name Lovers Key. A road to the island was built in 1965. Local legend hints that Black Island got its name from Black Augustus, a pirate who had been captured by authorities, and later escaped, making this island his home for the remainder of his life. Fish camps were located on Black Island from the early 1900s until the late 1950s. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, the four barrier islands were slated for development. Preparations for development damaged the islands. Mangrove swamps were altered to uplands by dredging a canal through Black Island. In 1983, the state acquired the islands and in 1996, merged with adjacent Carl E. Johnson County Park to become Lovers Key State Park. LOVERS KEY STATE PARK 8700 Estero Blvd. Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931 239-463-4588 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except in designated areas. • To become a volunteer, inquire at the ranger station. • For information about joining Friends of Lovers Key (FOLKS), call 239- 463-4588. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. FloridaStateParks.org Visit us online at Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks LOVERS KEY STATE PARK Where outdoor adventures are endless EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park This 1,616-acre park between Fort Myers and Naples is comprised of four barrier islands— Lovers Key, Inner Key, Black Island and Long Key. The park offers 2.5 miles of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and a variety of recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking and swimming. Boat Ramp Honor Box gC Bi ass Volleyball Court sP o arl Canoe/Kayak Launch Canoeing Black Island Trail Concession Fishing k ac Bl Eagle Trail Hiking d an Isl Ke Inner rs ve Interpretive Kiosk Parking y y Ke The concession offers food and drinks, bicycles, stand up paddle boards, canoe and kayak rentals, bait and fishing supplies, as well as boat and guided tours. A tram service is available to the south beach where a gazebo, restroom and picnic area are located. The gazebo on the south beach, where weddings and family gatherings are common, may be reserved year-round. Contact the park for details and prices. Biking Estero Bay North Entrance Lo Swim, sunbathe and experience some of the best shelling on southwest Florida’s Gulf beaches. Hike or bike on 4.5 miles of island trails including the 2.5 mile Black Island Trail that follows the inner waterways of the island. Kayaking and canoeing in the 920 acres of waterways fed by the Gulf and bay are favorite pastimes at the park. A boat ramp located on the bay side of the park allows access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and a canoe launch is located within the park. Enjoy saltwater fishing where catches of snook, redfish, trout and tarpon are common—or try castnetting for mullet. Ranger programs such as guided walks, beginning birding and more are offered year-round. Beach Access Picnicking Trailhead South Entrance Playground Plant Nursery Restrooms Tram Pavilion Gulf of Mexico Observation Area Tram Pavilion Entrance Station Long Key Observation Deck Legend Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail Park Boundary County Road Tram Pavilion Park Road Paved Park Road Stabilized Park Road Unstabilized Private Road Walkways Hiking/Biking Trail Paddling Trail Directions Lovers Key is located 10.5 miles Structures west of I-75, Parking lots exit 116 Bonita Beach Rd. (County Rd. 865). The park entrance is between New Pass and Big Carlos Pass at 8700 Estero Blvd. LOVERS KEY STATE PARK New Pass ´ 0 500 1,000 00256_Rev_01.19 2,000 Feet