Egmont Key State Park, Wildlife refuge and state park in Hillsborough County, US.
Egmont Key is a wildlife refuge and state park on an island at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County. Sandy beaches line the shore while mangrove thickets and salt marshes cover the interior of the island.
The lighthouse was built in 1858 to guide ships through the bay. Fort Dade emerged in the late 19th century to protect the coast during the war with Spain.
The name honors John Perceval, the second Earl of Egmont, who surveyed Florida in the 18th century. Visitors can walk among the crumbling barracks and brick walls from the days when the island served as a military outpost.
The island is accessible only by boat, so visitors must bring food, drinking water, and all gear themselves. Facilities are limited, so arriving early and allowing enough time to explore is recommended.
Sea turtles lay eggs along the beach, and migratory birds stop here during their long journeys. Visitors often spot ospreys and roseate spoonbills foraging among the mangrove roots.
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