Destination Key Largo Guide

part of the island, from “Rock Harbor” to “Key Largo” on June 1, 1952. On August 25, 1965, the Christ of the Deep or Abyss (depending on who you talk with) was placed in approxi mately 25 feet water, this is one of the most requested sites in the National Marine Sanctuary, the statue is just off the coast of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This spectacular bronze sculpture symbolizes peace of mankind from its unusual setting. A must see when you come to Key Largo. On June 13, 2001, the was transferred to the State of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission in Key Largo. The reason for this transfer, was for the vessel to be sunk and used and an artificial reef. decommissioned Naval ship USS Spiegel Grove

Red tape and financial problems delayed the sinking of ship for several years, but it was finally moved in May 2002. The total preparation cost was $1 million. On May 17, 2002, the ship sank prematurely, during preparation forcing workers to abandon ship and their equipment. Sinking several hours ahead of schedule, the USS Spiegel Grove came to rest upside-down on the sea bottom, leaving her bow bulging slightly out of the ocean and her stern resting on the ocean floor. At an additional cost of $250,000, on June 10, 2002, the ship was rolled onto her starboard side by Resolve Marine Group. On June 26, 2002, the wreck was finally opened to recreational divers. Over a thousand divers visited the site during the first week. There were 50,000 dives a year done on the ship during just the

first two years.

so isolated from the amenities of “civilization,” that it gives its residents a strong sense of self-reliance. Most of our businesses are locally and/or family-owned and operated — Charter boats, dive shops, restaurants, lodging, shopping and more.

In July 2005, Hurricane Dennis shifted the former USS Spiegel Grove onto her keel, right-side-up, which was the position originally intended. So now you have a taste of Key Largo and our history. The island of Key Largo is so close to the mainland yet

Destination Key Largo

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