OCEAN POINTE Holiday Vacation
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Over time, as native plants evolved with their environment, adapting to the soil, water conditions, and weather patterns of an area, they developed the ability to thrive in extreme conditions. These hearty characteristics are beneficial to humans. In addition to the fact that native plants are easy to grow and inexpensive to maintain, they can ultimately save us, by preserving the land and recharging the eco-systems upon which we rely for clean air and water.
South Florida is subtropical. Around half of our plant species are of temperate origin, an extension of the flora of the Southeast coastal plain. The other half are members of the Caribbean tropical flora and reach their northernmost limit in South Florida. The flora of the Keys in particular is almost entirely tropical and similar in many ways to that of the Bahamas Islands.
Florida, with over 4,100 species of native or naturalized ferns and seed plants, is the third most floristically diverse state in the United States. The Florida Keys have more species of native trees-about 110-than any other location north of Mexico. Since most of these trees can survive only in the Florida Keys
Benefits of Native Plants
While south Florida's native plants may not offer the striking floral displays of some tropical exotics, many do possess attractive foliage or colorful fruits. Often they can add a pleasing form or texture to the landscape. South Florida has a wide variety of native plants that are both attractive and useful as landscape plants. The species grow well in urban landscape settings in part or all of south Florida without much fuss - assuming they are planted in the right place in the landscape. In addition to being interesting additions to urban yards and landscapes, native plants also increase the diversity of natural insect predators. Many are also attractive to other types of sought-after wildlife species (i.e., birds and butterflies).
Select plants that can take the Florida Keys growing conditions of limited available water, salty winds, salt intrusion into the root zone, high pH soils, and year round pest problems
Native plants are adapted to the soils, rain patterns, temperatures and pests of South Florida. By replacing exotic plants in our in our landscapes with natives, we are able to conserve water, reduce fertilizer & pesticide use and attract birds and butterflies to our gardens.
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Mangroves form an interesting environment along the coastline.This is were the sea and land blend together. The mangrove is one of the few trees that thrive in salt water. Seeds of the red mangrove start sprouting while on the tree. Later the seeds drop off and are destined by the tide.
Typically found along the water's edge, the red mangrove can be identified by its tangled, reddish colored roots called "prop-roots." Prop roots extending from the trunk of the red mangrove stabilize the the tree in the soft mud.This massive system of the red mangrove prop roots in the swamp lines the sea edge, forming a protective barrier against storms.
Mangrove coast produces an unique environment by blending land and sea. Mangroves grow along many of the worlds tropical and subtropical coastlines. The mangroves arching prop root system traps silt and detritus, eventually building up islands of dry land.
Mangrove Food Chain: The leaves from the mangrove tree fall year round. They quickly decompose. This provides food for small organisms. These small organisms are food for small animals. The small animals provide food for larger animals such as birds, fish and people.
South Florida water shortage is real
DON'T BE LULLED INTO A FALSE SENSE OF COMFORT
The water still flows strongly when you turn on the tap, so it is easy to understand why some South Florida residents may not be taking the current drought seriously. One way to restore regional water patterns is to establish water protection areas along the eastern border of Everglades. This is land they need to acquire because it will help their plan. These areas will control the loss of water through unnatural seepage, help clean the water, provide buffer zone between urban (city) areas and the natural system, and improve the region’s water supply. Buffer zones are shield or safeguard zones. Unnatural leakage occurs when dikes and other features are constructed and create irregular filtration.
Florida climate change is potential disaster.
You never miss the water 'till the well runs dry" -Roland Howard. In the case of the Upper Keys, it was the cistern and not the well that ran dry. The Ancient Mariner proclaimed, "Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink." The indigenous Keys Indians had various fresh-water holes and reportedly a few artesian wells to obtain drinking water. They simply must have had fresh water for their survival; however, that was long before we decided to drain the Everglades for more usable land. The cutting of canals not only drained surface water, but also sub-surface water. It lowered the fresh water table from three to five feet in the Keys.
Freshwater wetlands
Florida's freshwater wetlands are no less reduced in area than the upland ecosystems. Prior to European settlement, most of the southern third of the state -- from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay -- was dominated by freshwater forested or herbaceous wetlands. Together, freshwater swamps and marshes are found today on about 20% of Florida's land mass, or 3 million ha. According to Kautz (1993), more marsh has been destroyed since 1936 (1.6 million ha) than remains today (1.1 million ha). Much of this loss has occurred in the Everglades-Kissimmee marsh system, which once formed a wide, continuous flowway down the center of the peninsula. Loss of swamp habitat is more difficult to quantify because of the patchy nature of swamp distribution, but destruction has been substantial.
Blame the greenhouse effect. El Niño. La Niña. Overdevelopment. Shortsighted state and county officials. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same — we are running out of drinking water.
The trees, coral reefs, tourism and our drinking water supply are in danger of climate change.The warming of the planet means Florida, with 1,200 miles of heavily populated and vulnerable coastline, is feeling real-time effects.
Sea levels are rising twice as fast as once predicted
• Higher temperatures are shifting tropical conditions
• Seas are hotter.
• Droughts may be increasing
The Florida Keys, tiny islands just a few feet above sea level, are the most vulnerable. Since 1930, the ocean has risen about nine inches around the Florida Keys. ''It's running right at a foot per century. The Florida Keys, with a one-foot rise could put water 200 to 2,000 feet inland.
Beneath the Florida Keys, a lens of fresh water covers the salt water. As the seas rise, they push the fresh water up, especially in times of drought. As the salt water rises, the roots of trees that thrive in fresh water are then in salt water.
Drainage of the Everglades in the 1960s and '70s diverted fresh water from the marshes into canals, creating a man-induced sea-level rise. Salt water moved inland and mangroves traveled with it. Now those upstream mangroves have moved farther into sawgrass. If sea-level rise reaches 23 inches by century's end, Everglades National Park expects to have 50 percent of its freshwater marshes inundated, reducing an entire ecosystem
Rising seas also threaten South Florida's underground freshwater drinking supply. If rainfall fails to replenish the underground aquifer, salt water enters the aquifer and turns fresh water brackish. As the Everglades loses its freshwater marshes to salt water, parts of the aquifer would become saline
Florida's severe drought is causing state officials to consider a water saving plan. The idea is to inject billions of gallons of stormwater runoff into deep underground aquifers, then pump it out the next time there's a drought. The governor and state legislature are enthusiastic, but environmentalists fear for the potential contamination of Florida's underground sources of drinking water.
In 1967 Key West became the first U. S. city to have it's entire fresh water supply supplied from sea water. Desalinization of sea water is presently in use in many parts of the world.
PARKS AND BEACHES OF THE UPPER KEYS
Click images to enlarge.
Tropical hardwood hammocks are one of many natural communities found in Florida. The tropical hardwood hammocks are characterized by tropical plants. The word "hammock" was first used by early inhabitants to mean a cool and shady place. Later, settlers of Florida used the word "hammock" to indicate areas that were slightly higher in elevation from the rest of the land. Today, the term hammock is used in Florida to describe forest habitats that are typically higher in elevation than surrounding areas and that are characterized by hardwood forests of broad-leaved evergreens. Tropical hardwood hammocks occur in south Florida, Keys.This is a subtropical zone where danger from frost is rare and tropical trees and shrubs are able to survive.
Geiger Tree
Cordia Sebestena is a small shapely tree which grows up to be 25" tall and as wide. It is native to the northern coast of South America, Yucatan, the West Indies, and the Florida Keys (although it it is considered by most to be a native tree, most likely it was introduced).
Historians using Key West records have been able to document that Dr. Strobel's neighbor was a Captain Geiger. The Cordia tree thus became part of Key's history when the tree took on the additional name of Geiger tree. Named after Captain John H. Geiger, who built his home on Whitehead Street in Key West, the name "Geiger tree" is likely of local origin inspired by Audubon's engraving of Captain Geiger's beautiful flowering Cordia tree with white-crowned pigeons sitting in a branch.
Common name: Florida Buttonwood
Botanical name: Conocarpus erectus `Momba'
Family name: Combretaceae
Buttonwood is named for its hard, durable heartwood that actually was used to make clothing buttons. It is native to coastal forests and lagoons throughout tropical America and West Africa. In nature this tree grows like a mangrove, forming dense thickets of shrubby growth, but when grown in the open it becomes a beautiful broad-spreading tree up to 60 feet in height.
Buttonwood is evergreen, fast-growing, pest-free, drought and salt-tolerant. It is also one of the best trees on which to establish epiphytic orchids. Our specimen is a cultivated variety called "Momba" which has larger leaves than the average buttonwood.
Common name: Saw Grass
Botanical name: Cladium jamaicense crantz
Family name: Cyperaceae
Sawgrass-dominated communities once covered nearly 2 million acres (800,000 ha) of the Everglades. Although sawgrass stands have declined due to reduced water flows and increased
salinity, they still dominate approximately 65 to 70 percent of the remaining Everglades. Sawgrass marshes have been classified into two general catagories: (1) dense stands occurring in shallow water underlain by deep organic soils and (2) sparse stands occurring in deep water on shallow peat or marl.
Common name: Wild Coffee
Botanical name: Psychotria rufipes
Family name: Rubiaceae
Wild coffee is shrub-like with multiple stems, and may reach a final height and width of 4 - 10 feet. Foliage is shiny and dark green in color. The oval leaves are approximately 6 inches in length, simple and opposite on the stem. Veins are prominent and pinnate, sunken deeply into the leaves to give a highly textured appearance. Flowers are white and occur in clusters throughout the spring and summer months. The deep red fruits are oval, and measure approximately 0.3 inches in length.
Common name: Gumbo Limbo
Botanical name: Bursera simaruba
Family name: Burseraceae
Gumbo-limbo is a tropical tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It adapts to a variety of habitats, from dry to moist, and is fairly salt-tolerant. It is also considered one of the most wind-tolerant trees in south Florida and is recommended as a good, hurricane-resistant species.
The gummy, turpentine-scented resin has been used in the West Indies for making glue, varnish, liniments, and as a coating for canoes. The aromatic sap is also used as a treatment for gout, while the leaves are brewed into a medicinal tea. The light, soft, spongy wood is used for fence posts that have been known to take root in the ground and grow!
Common name: Red Mangrove
Botanical name: Rhizophora manglec
Family name: Combretaceae
Buttonwood is named for its hard, durable heartwood that actually was used to make clothing buttons. It is native to coastal forests and lagoons throughout tropical America and West Africa. In nature this tree grows like a mangrove, forming dense thickets of shrubby growth, but when grown in the open it becomes a beautiful broad-spreading tree up to 60 feet in height.
Buttonwood is evergreen, fast-growing, pest-free, drought and salt-tolerant. It is also one of the best trees on which to establish epiphytic orchids. Our specimen is a cultivated variety called "Momba" which has larger leaves than the average buttonwood.
Common name: Sea Grape
Botanical name: Coccoloba uvifera
Family name: Polygonaceae
The Sea Grape, native to the sandy seashores of tropical America, usually forms a low shrub but may be a spreading tree 30 to 35 feet (10 m) in height. The stiff, roundish leaves may measure 8 by 7 inches (20 by 17.5 cm) and have prominent, reddish veins. Sea grape is highly tolerant of salt spray and salty soils as well as strong sun and wind. It is often planted as a windbreak near beaches and as a hedge or screening barrier. Sea grape makes a fine shade tree.
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Poisonwood
Metopium toxiferum.
The Poisonwood tree is in the Cashew family and is related to cashews, pistachios, mangoes, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, and Brazilian Red Pepper (a much disliked invasive exotic). The tree itself looks poisonous - in some places it is, literally, oozing black sap. It's trunk is tall and thick with patches of beige, golden yellow/orange, brown, and black. If you touch any part, and are allergic, you will likely get an oozy rash that itches like crazy.
As indicated by the name, all parts of this tree are poisonous. The poison is a resin, visible on the gray or reddish bark as dark oily splotches. The tree has dark, green, glossy, wedge-shaped leaflets hanging from the stem, usually in a cluster of five. They are often blotched with irregular spots of the black resin. The small creamy-white blossom clusters develop into oval, dull orange fruit, greatly favored by the White Crowned Pigeon.
Inkberry, no it's not a type of stamp ink but rather a wonderful bush that birds just love to feast off from in winter. Otherwise known as Appalachian tea, Evergreen Winterberry and/or Gallberry is native to the East and the South Central parts of the United States. It is best used as a medium-sized ornamental shrub in any garden. It gets its name from the green berries that turn black when mature. The scientific name refers to 'Ilex' Oak native to the Mediterranean and 'glabra' means smooth leaf surface.
Mahogany (Sweitenia mahagoni) forms a large tree. This native resident of coastal hammocks provides shelter and nesting areas for birds and squirrels. This Mahogany tree is located in the Main Garden. Mahogany is listed by the State of Florida as a Threatened native plant.
Wild Tamarind grows well in southern Florida and the Keys. It is easily recognized by the numerous small oval shaped leaves giving the branches a feathery appearance. The white flowers are small and inconspicious but emit a strong pleasant fragrance. New leaf growth has a reddish tinge which forms an interesting contrast to the mature dark green foliage. With age the bark of the Wild Tamarind becomes more distinctive forming long plate like segments. The seed pods that form on this tree are brown and about 5 inches long.
Jamaica Dogwood This is a small tree, native of the West Indies, and known as Jamaica dogwood. It is rarely found in southern Florida. The flowers are in lateral clusters, appearing in profusion before the leaves. They have a broad, bell-shaped, 5-toothed calyx, and a papilionaceous corolla, of a dirty white color tinged with purple. The leaves are unequally pinnate, with entire, oval, acute leaflets, resembling those of the coffee-nut tree. The fruit is a 4-winged legume. The bark of the tree is very astringent, and is said to have been used in tanning. It is much employed in its native country as a fish poison (whence the generic name of the tree). It seems to act upon the lower animals as a poisonous narcotic.
Pigeon plum, sometimes called doveplum and pigeon seagrape, is one of the larger seacoast trees found in central and southern Florida, the Keys, the West Indies, and the Bahamas. Pigeon plum is an excellent ornamental tree for yards and streets in south and central Florida coastal areas because of its resistance to high winds, salty conditions, and drought. It is tolerant of salt spray and often grows well in sandy, rocky, or broken coral soils near tidewater areas. Pigeon plum is recommended as a good hurricane resistant species for barrier plantings
Pitch apple tree An evergreen tree. Large, medium green, leathery leaves are obovate (broader above rather than below the middle) and 8 to 12 inches long, 4 to 6 inches wide. The leaves are opposite and without conspicuous lateral veins. Branches grow mostly horizontally. Pitch apple also produces multiple trunks via prop roots. It is dioecious, male and female flowers on separate plants, female flowers showier than male; female flowers are up to 3 inches across, solitary appearing at the ends or the branches. Flower generally is round with many separate petals, color is white or pink. Fruit is a fleshy, green, round capsule, up to 3 inches across; turns brown/black and splits to reveal red seeds in black "goop." Fruit is toxic to humans.
Catclaw mimosa (Mimosa aculeaticarpa) is generally described as a Perennial Tree or Shrub. This Dicot (dicotyledon) is native to the U.S. (United States) .
Wild Lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) forms a thorny shrub or small tree. It is a host for the Giant Swallowtail butterfly, whose caterpillar can be seen on a leaf in this picture. Giant Swallowtails also use cultivated citrus trees as hosts; however, many of the backyard citrus trees in Miami-Dade County have been destroyed in an attempt to halt the spread of citrus canker, so the provision of native hosts is more important than ever.
| Florida Keys Native Nursery Inc. | 89030 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL | Monroe County | 305.852.2636 |
Key Largo Florida Vacation Rentals Presents Listing #2287
Condo w/ 2 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - Sleeps 4-6 w/ Pool Jacuzzi
Rich in beauty and history, thTavernier area is admired by boaters, anglers and water sport enthusiasts of all kinds. Its easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Florida Bay allows for a myriad of activities: diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, bird watching, eco-touring and much more. But its setting and climate also allows for relaxation in beautiful style...
More Photos Of This Vacation Rental Below!!!!
Vacation Rental Owner/Manager
Name: Christine Bassett
Phone: 516 991-9575
500 BURTON DRIVE, #1307, TAVERNIER, FLORIDA 33070
Welcome...This page provides information on accommodations as well as a description of the amenities at Ocean Pointe Condo Resort located in Key Largo, Florida. Why stay at a hotel when you can rent an affordable holiday vacation lodging, situated directly on the atlantic ocean. Rent directly from the owner of this chalet, cabin, villa, home, apartment and condo accommodation in the beautiful Florida Keys.
Accommodations include - 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite, a full kitchen, living room, a private balcony with oceanviews.
Amenities include - 67 acres of tropical hardwoods, a protected mangrove forest and beach. Heated pool and spa, lighted tennis courts, marina and waterfront cafe with bar.
Beautifully decorated, two bedroom, two bath, third-floor Condo. This unit is located at Ocean Pointe Suite and is perfect for anyone who dives, loves to boat, or wants to fish. This cozy unit is warm and inviting for those looking for a relaxing vacation or a getaway. | |||||
Amenities: Phone, Air Conditioning, Cable TVS, VCR, Stereo, CD Player, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Ice Maker, Cooking Utensils provided, Linens provided, Washer, Dryer, Hot Tub, pool, BBQ grill
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FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS CALL 516-991-9575
Vacation Property
OCEAN POINTE Holiday Vacation
Key Largo is known as the "Diving Capital of the World" while Islamorada is called the "Sport Fishing Capital".
Ocean Pointe Condo # 1307
Condo w/ 2 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - Sleeps 2-6 w/ Pool Hot tub
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Vacation Rental Manager
Name: Christine
Phone: 516-991-9575
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Vacation Rental Description A tropical paradise located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. This is a dream come true, boasting over 67 oceanfront acres of tropical hardwoods, mangrove forest and a beautiful beach.
This is a private gated resort, right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the gateway to deep sea fishing. It is conveniently located near Tavernier Creek, with easy access to back-country fishing. This is the sportfishing capital of the world, with the only living coral reef in the continental United States. On the property is: a beach, a dock, a junior olympic size swimming pool with a spa, lighted tennis courts, tiki huts, a cocktail lounge with a cafe.
Vacation Rental Amenities Cocktail Lounge and Cafe - Heated Olympic Size Pool and Spa - Beach Area with Tiki Huts - Oceanfront Gazebo - Lighted Tennis Courts - Marina with Dock - Boat Ramp - Bait and Tackle Shop
Activities and Attractions JOHN PENNECAMP PARK * UPPER KEYS CORAL REEF * DEEP SEA FISHING * KAYAKING * BACKCOUNTRY FISHING * RESTAURANTS * SUNSET-SUNRISE * PARROT-HEADS ARE WELCOME
CLICK HERE TO SEND AN Abassett@netzero.net
FOR SALE OCEAN POINTE SUITE
FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS CALL 516-991-9575
OCEAN POINTE SUITE # 1307, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA - OCEANSIDE - MM 92
This upscale Condominium Resort is located directly on the Ocean in Key Largo. Offering a beautifully decorated condo, with two bedroom - two bath with whirlpool tubs for weekly and monthly rentals Ocean Pointe Suite is located,about one hour drive south from Miami international Airport,The hard Rock Cafe-Casino,the Art Deco South Beach and Miami shopping.
About 90 miles east of Key West.
Sep 01-Dec 15 ... $125/night .. $ 800/week. (3 night min) Dec 16-Aug 31 ... $150/night .. $ 950/week. (3 night min) Holidays ........ $200/night .. $1100/week. (3 night min) Special Events .. $200/night .. $1100/week. (3 night min) Special Events includes Mini + Open Lobster Season. 20 % deposit required to make a reservation. Refundable up to 30 days before arrival date. Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS CALL 516-991-9575
Owner Direct Vacation Rental - Privately-owned villa, condo, apartment and home for rent. Why stay at a hotel, when you can rent an affordable holiday lodging directly on the ocean. Rent directly from the owner. chalet, cabin, villa, home, apartment, condo, accommodation, beautiful, florida keys, resort, Expedia, Miami, south florida, Homestead, ocean view, vacation rental, Key Largo Ocean Front Condominiam Hotel Resort Islamorada,ocean pointe, Tavernier, Kayak John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park, Fishing reports, tourism information, backcountry guide, weather conditions, Jimmy Buffett Mararitaville state of mind, party parrot head, Islamorada deep sea fishing, 33037, 33070, Islamorada charters, 33036, Key West,sailfish tournaments, Bonefish guide, Sailfish charter, Fishing capital of the world, Trip advisor, Dive shipwrecks , snorkle coral reef, Spiegel Grove, Christ of the deep, John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park, lodging information,
Local information about tourism, fishing, diving, snorkeling, restaurants, accommodations, lobsters, lighthouses, maps, vacation, fish, birds, plants and history about all the Fabulous Florida Keys including Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada
Key Largo Sunrise, Sunset & Moon Times
A hurricane is a tropical system with maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph. At the center of the hurricane is an "eye" that varies in size but is commonly 20 to 30 miles wide. While the storm itself may extend out from the eye several hundred miles, hurricane force winds (74 mph) routinely extend 50 to 100 miles out of the eye. Atlantic hurricanes "spin" in a counter clockwise rotation that is started by the rotation of the earth.
ACCOMMODATIONS OF THE UPPER KEYS
FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS CALL 516-991-9575
Vacation Property
OCEAN POINTE Holiday Vacation
Key Largo is known as the "Diving Capital of the World" while Islamorada is called the "Sport Fishing Capital".
Miami to Key West is one of the more memorable automobile tours. Drive the Overseas Highway across a 128 mile chain of subtropical islands.This chain of coral and limestone islands connected by 42 bridges. The waters ranging from aquamarine to deep blue and emerald green. With dazzling sunsets and sunrises. Just off U.S. 1 you can fine an underwater worlds of silent beauty, tropical birds, mangrove islands and the key deer. A prime vacation spot. A place where artists, writers, fishers, and retirees make their homes in the fragile natural resources of the Florida Keys.
Fishing and kayaking are some of the many alluring outdoor adventures in the Upper Keys, a collection of 823 islands.
Your Upper Keys adventure and beach vacation features hiking, biking, kayaking, and some of the best snorkeling in the world! Not to mention a chance to relax on the beach and catch some sun. Explore the Florida Keys including historic and eccentric Key West, the Everglades National Park and the best of Florida’s state parks. Look for the hiden beauity of manatees, alligators, and thousands of exotic birds. Take an air boat ride or do some fishing.
OCEAN POINTE Holiday Vacation
Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo. Spread across 67 acres of the Florida Keys ... 2 Lighted tennis courts, large pool, private beach, kayaking, volleyball ...
Key Largo, the longest in the island chain, is a popular bedroom community and a favorite stop for diving,fishing,kayaking and other water sports .It is a window to nature.
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