Anne's Beach, Public beach in Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida Keys, United States.
Anne's Beach is a public beach on Lower Matecumbe Key with two parking lots about a quarter mile apart on US-1 at mile marker 73. A 300-foot boardwalk, six pavilions and a restroom stand at the north lot. The sandbar is made entirely of calcium carbonate, and the shallow water has almost no wave action.
The beach is named after Anne Eaton, a local environmental activist who worked to protect this area until her death in 1992. Her efforts helped ensure that the land remained preserved for public use.
The beach carries the name of Anne Eaton, a teacher paralysed by polio at 24 who moved to the Keys in the 1960s and campaigned against overdevelopment. It was named for her when she died in 1992. Kiteboarders use the wide shallow flat as a learning ground, and leashed dogs are allowed.
The beach is located at Mile Marker 73.5 on the Overseas Highway and offers free parking at both entrances from sunrise to sunset. Arriving early in the day is recommended to secure a convenient parking spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
The water stays shallow year-round with minimal waves due to a natural sandbar formation in front of the Florida Keys. This makes the beach safe and comfortable for swimming for families and less experienced swimmers.
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