Skip to main content

BURN BAN IN EFFECT

Effective April 11, 2023: Lee County has issued a burn ban. No campfires are allowed at Lovers Key State Park. Charcoal grills can still be used.

Hurricane Ian Update

Effective March 16: The beach, boat ramp, trails and paddling launch areas of Lovers Key State Park remain closed. Please adhere to all posted signs and avoid closed areas. The bayside is open for limited day use activities. 

Florida State Parks
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
    • Newsletter
  • Resources
  • Experiences & Amenities
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Programs
    • Research & Collecting
  • Get Involved
  • Events
  • Search
  • Camping & Lodging
  • Shop

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Find a Park

History

Back to Lovers Key State Park

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events
  • History
Download Park Map

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.

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 them with adjacent Carl E. Johnson County Park to become Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park.

Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
    • Newsletter
  • Resources
  • Experiences & Amenities
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Programs
    • Research & Collecting
  • Get Involved
  • Events

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:
(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:
FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • You Tube
© Copyright 2023 © Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Customer Survey
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Website Login