From railroad to overwater highway: Driving the spectacular route through the Florida Keys

CNN - Apr 26th, 2025

The Florida Keys, a captivating chain of islands, offer visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. This region, connected by the iconic Overseas Highway, is a beacon for divers and history enthusiasts alike. Highlights include Key Largo's underwater treasures, the historic remnants of the Over-Sea Railroad, and vibrant local culture. The Overseas Highway itself is a marvel, linking the mainland to Key West with 42 bridges, each telling tales of past tragedies and triumphs.

The history of the Keys is deeply tied to the ambitions of Henry Flagler and the tragic 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, which transformed the region's transportation infrastructure. Today, the Keys continue to draw diverse visitors and residents, from adventurers and retirees to dreamers and novelists, each finding their own happy place amid the islands' dynamic environment and storied past. The article emphasizes not just the destinations, but the journey itself, encouraging travelers to savor each stop along this historic route.

Tourism Florida Keys Key Largo Overseas Highway Key West Scuba Diving Henry Flagler 1935 Labor Day Hurricane Over Sea Railroad Island Life

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RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging and informative overview of the Florida Keys, focusing on the attractions and historical significance of the Overseas Highway. It excels in clarity and readability, making it accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. However, it could benefit from more authoritative sources and greater transparency about its information-gathering methods. While it offers a balanced view of the attractions and challenges of the Keys, it leans towards a promotional tone, which may overlook some of the area's more complex issues. Overall, the article serves as a useful guide for potential tourists while providing historical context that enriches the reader's understanding of the region.

Accuracy

The article presents a largely accurate depiction of the Florida Keys and its attractions, with factual claims about the length of the Overseas Highway, its history, and the tourist spots along the route. For instance, it correctly states that the highway is 113 miles long and includes a significant number of bridges. However, the exact number of bridges (42 vs. 37) might need verification. The historical context regarding the conversion of the railway into the highway is well-supported by historical data. While the article does well in describing the attractions and historical aspects, it could benefit from more precise data on tourist statistics and traffic conditions, which are mentioned but not deeply explored.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the Florida Keys, highlighting both the attractions and some of the challenges, such as traffic congestion. It includes perspectives from locals like Eric Johnson and tourists, as well as historical insights from historians. However, the story leans more towards promoting the tourist attractions, which could overshadow some of the less glamorous aspects of life in the Keys, such as environmental concerns or the economic impact of tourism. While it captures a range of experiences, it could include more diverse viewpoints, such as those of environmentalists or local government officials.

Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a clear structure that guides the reader through the journey along the Overseas Highway. The language is engaging and descriptive, effectively conveying the allure and history of the Florida Keys. The use of quotes and anecdotes adds a personal touch, making the piece both informative and entertaining. The logical flow from one point to the next ensures that the reader can easily comprehend the information presented.

Source quality

The article relies on quotes from individuals like Eric Johnson and Will Keizer, who provide firsthand accounts of life in the Keys. However, it lacks direct citations from authoritative sources or data-driven research that could enhance its credibility. The inclusion of historical context from a historian adds depth, but the lack of diverse source types (e.g., academic studies, government reports) limits the article's overall reliability. The article could improve its source quality by incorporating more varied and authoritative sources.

Transparency

The article does not explicitly disclose its sources or the methodology behind its claims, such as how traffic conditions were assessed or how historical information was verified. While it provides context through quotes and historical references, the lack of transparency about how information was gathered or verified affects its credibility. The article would benefit from clearer attribution of data and more explicit disclosure of any potential biases or conflicts of interest.