Why does it stink in the Florida Keys?

Bad smells in the Florida Keys are usually from rotting sargassum seaweed and other organic matter on beaches, in the ocean and on the seafloor. Bad smells can also arise from muddy, shallow water environments which are common throughout the Keys. The severity of the smell is heavily dependent on the wind direction.

Why do the Florida Keys smell like sewage?

That ubiquitous smell is decaying sargassum, islands of floating, brown sea algae that is piling up along the beaches of Key West, the Florida peninsula, Mexico and other Caribbean islands. Happens every summer when the winds and currents come from the south.

Why do keys smell?

In their paper, Dietrich and Glindemann explain the source of the "metallic" odor that is generated when a person picks up keys, coins or metal objects. The odor results from a metal induced oxidation of skin lipids so it is surprisingly a type of human body odor.

Can you swim in the ocean in the Keys?

Boasting temperate waters and more than 3,400 hours of annual sunshine, the beaches of Key West are some of the most popular destinations on this tropical island paradise. You can enjoy the sun, sand and warm water as well as a variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.

Why is there no sand in the Florida Keys?

Today, the ocean is shallower and the living coral reefs are six miles offshore, providing a barrier to waves and swells. Thus, with little sand to begin with, and a lack of wave action to deposit more, beaches in the Keys are a bit of a rarity.

AVOID Moving to the Florida Keys UNLESS You can Handle These 9 FACTS

Are there Gators in the Keys?

The answer is yes, there are definitely alligators in the Florida Keys. The type of alligator present in the swamps, ponds, rivers, and lakes of the Keys is the common American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). People often confuse alligators with crocodiles, but there are both in the Florida Keys.

Is Key West Florida sinking?

By 2025, Some of the Florida Keys Could Be Submerged Due to Rising Sea Levels. One of the most terrifying aspects of global warming is the fact that our planet could be engulfed by its own oceans within the next few years — and unfortunately, it's already happening to low-lying parts of North America.

Are there alligators in Key West?

Probably not. There's simply not enough fresh water in Key West, which has no lakes, no rivers, and gets significantly less rainfall than the Upper Keys, Everglades, or Miami. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles.

Does Key Largo smell?

Some visitors on Florida beaches notice a bad smell, especially in the Florida Keys. It smells like sulfur, sewage, rotten eggs or natural gas. The smell can be overwhelming. The worst time tends to be in hot weather during hot summer months.

What is the prettiest Florida Key?

How do you clean keys so they don't smell?

Dry your keys thoroughly with a towel.

To make sure no moisture is left behind (you don't want to risk rust), wipe down your keys with cotton ball moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

Why do my keys smell weird?

In their paper, Dietrich and Glindemann explain the source of the "metallic" odor that is generated when a person picks up keys, coins or metal objects. The odor results from a metal induced oxidation of skin lipids so it is surprisingly a type of human body odor.

How do I make my keys not smell?

Why are chickens everywhere in Key West?

The chickens found in Key West are descendants of the jungle fowl that was originally found throughout the Caribbean, including Cuba. Early settlers in Key West had a normal relationship with their chickens, keeping them in coups and using them for food.

Is it safe to swim in sargassum?

Although the seaweed itself cannot harm your health, tiny sea creatures that live in Sargassum can cause skin rashes and blisters.

Are there crocodiles in Florida Keys?

American crocodiles are primarily found in South Florida and can be seen often swimming in Keys canals. They are federally protected after their numbers dwindled in the 1970s. Scientists estimate there are now about 2,000 of them living in South Miami-Dade and the Keys, and they are happy about that.

When should you avoid Key West?

Hurricane season in Key West runs from June 1- November 30 (a good thing to know before visiting). However, the heaviest storms are likely to occur in August- October. Obviously, devastating hurricanes don't happen every year, but hurricane season is definitely something to keep in mind.

Where does sewage go in Key West?

Waste water is treated to advanced standards and discharged into a deep injection well located on the plant site. The treatment plant was constructed in 1989; designed and permitted to produce secondary quality effluent at a rate of 10 million gallons per day ( MGD ).

Where are the stinky beaches in Florida?

COCOA BEACH, Fla.

Beaches up and down the Central Florida coast, at least from Volusia to Brevard, are seeing an excessive amount of sargassum seaweed, which can cause a foul odor as it breaks down.

Are there a lot of snakes in Key West?

In other words, it's snake paradise. Of the 46 snake species native to Florida, almost half inhabit the Keys. Further, scientists have recently noted an influx of non-native invasive species.

Can you see Havana from Key West?

Despite persistent local legends and the occasional Sarah Palin-esque tweaking of the tourists, you cannot see the night lights of Havana from Key West. Not even on a clear evening. Not even if you squint. But Havana, a mere 90 miles from Key West, is closer to Duval Street than is Miami.

Are there shark attacks in Key West?

In Key West, there has never been a fatal shark attack, and there's only been one incident reported in the record books since the 1800s. For those who like statistics, you're 45,000 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a shark attack.

What year will the Florida Keys be underwater?

Sea level rise could leave some roads in the Florida Keys underwater by 2025, and fixing the flood threat comes at a staggeringly high cost.

How many years until Florida is underwater?

By 2100, large swaths of coastal land in Florida will be permanently submerged. In the shorter term, rising seas will increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding.

How long until Key West is under water?

Florida's famous Key West already has invested in massive infrastructure and relocation projects before untold damage is done. Experts are estimating that parts of Key West will be underwater by 2040, and the money it would cost to prepare for this is in the billions.