Tucked into the heart of the Middle Keys, Key Colony Beach, Florida may be small in size, but its history is anything but. Known today for its walkable streets, ocean and canal views, and relaxed island lifestyle, this charming city didn’t simply evolve, was intentionally built, shaped by vision, resilience, and classic Florida Keys ingenuity.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another stay, understanding the history of Key Colony Beach adds a deeper connection to this one-of-a-kind destination.
From Shelter Key to Key Colony Beach
Before it became the community we know today, the island was called Shelter Key—a low-lying, flood-prone area with limited development potential. In the early to mid-1950s, developer Phil Sadowski began dredging and filling the surrounding waters, expanding the land and raising its elevation.
This large-scale effort didn’t just reshape the island, it created the foundation for a planned coastal city, complete with canals, waterfront homes, and oceanfront hospitality.
A Hotel Built with the Island Itself
As the island was being formed, one of its most iconic landmarks was rising alongside it.
Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort was built during the same development period as Key Colony Beach itself, with construction beginning in late 1956. The resort was completed in 1957 and opened that same year, welcoming guests at the very moment the city was officially coming to life.
This makes Glunz not just a place to stay, but a living part of Key Colony Beach history—one of the original oceanfront resorts designed to capture the authentic “Old-Style Keys” experience that visitors still seek today.
A City of Its Own (1957)
During this same time period, residents and developers faced a pivotal decision: join nearby Marathon or become independent. The choice was clear.
On September 24, 1957, Key Colony Beach was officially incorporated as its own city through a special act of the Florida Legislature. The vote was unanimous—a strong statement of the community’s desire to maintain a distinct identity rooted in thoughtful planning and local control.
Hurricane Donna and a Defining Moment
In 1960, Hurricane Donna struck the Florida Keys with devastating force. Much of Key Colony Beach suffered damage, but its status as an incorporated city proved crucial.
Because Key Colony Beach was already a recognized municipality, it qualified for direct federal disaster assistance, allowing for faster rebuilding and long-term resilience. That recovery effort shaped the city’s future and reinforced a strong sense of community that still defines it today.
The “Gem of the Florida Keys”
Over time, Key Colony Beach earned the nickname “The Gem of the Florida Keys.” With access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of America (Mexico), a walkable layout, and a mix of classic Keys architecture and updated accommodations, the city offers something increasingly rare—a relaxed island lifestyle without the chaos.
Its intentional small size helps preserve the character that made it special from the beginning.
Key Colony Beach Today
Today, Key Colony Beach is home to fewer than 1,000 year-round residents, with seasonal visitors who return year after year. It remains a place where sunsets are events, neighbors know each other, and the pace of life stays refreshingly unhurried.
Staying at Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort means experiencing the city much as early visitors did—right on the ocean, rooted in history, and surrounded by the natural beauty that drew people here nearly 70 years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was Key Colony Beach founded?
Key Colony Beach was officially incorporated on September 24, 1957.
Was Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort built at the same time as the city?
Yes. Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort was constructed beginning in late 1956, completed in 1957, and opened the same year Key Colony Beach was incorporated.
👉 Keep reading:
The Birth of Glunz Ocean Beach Resort
What was Key Colony Beach called before development?
The island was originally known as Shelter Key.
Why is Key Colony Beach separate from Marathon?
Residents chose independence to preserve a self-governed, close-knit community with a distinct identity.
Is Key Colony Beach a good place to stay in the Florida Keys?
Yes. It offers a quieter, centrally located alternative to busier Keys destinations while still providing easy access to beaches, boating, and dining.
Step Into Living History
Key Colony Beach isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a thoughtfully built island with a story woven into every canal, beach, and oceanfront view. And at Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort, that story begins right where it always has—on the shore.
👉 Keep reading:
Attractions in the Florida Keys
What Are the Names of the Florida Keys? Full Island Guide + FAQs
History here isn’t something you visit.
It’s something you wake up to.