Monroe County, County in southern Florida, United States
Monroe County is an administrative division in southern Florida that spans the entire Florida Keys island chain and includes a portion of Everglades National Park on the mainland. The county extends from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south, connecting more than 40 inhabited islands through the Overseas Highway bridge road.
The area was named after US President James Monroe in 1823 when it was established as an administrative unit to organize settlements along the island chain. The construction of a railroad connection in the early 20th century and later the road bridges transformed the region fundamentally and made the islands accessible to residents and travelers.
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts coordinates exhibitions, performances, and educational programs throughout Monroe County, connecting residents with local artists and creators.
The county administration offers online services for permits, licenses, and emergency notifications through its official website, serving both residents and business operators. Administrative offices are located primarily on the larger inhabited islands and handle inquiries from locals and visitors.
Nearly the entire population lives on the islands of the Florida Keys, while the mainland portion of the county remains almost uninhabited. Only a handful of residents have settled in this remote section of the Everglades that belongs to the administrative division.
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