Are dogs allowed off leash in the park?

No. Dogs must always be kept on a leash when visiting Everglades National Park and surrounding park lands. In most areas, dogs are not allowed on trails, boardwalks, or backcountry routes at all, even on a leash. Where pets are permitted (such as certain roadside or developed areas), they must be: On a leash no longer than 6 feet Under control at all times Kept out of wildlife areas and water These rules are in place to protect: Sensitive wildlife (including birds, reptiles, and mammals) Fragile ecosystems Your dog’s safety (alligators, snakes, and heat are real risks here) If you’re traveling with a dog, it’s best to check specific park rules before visiting or plan pet-friendly activities outside the national park boundaries.

Can I visit Goodland and Everglades City in the same day?

Yes. They’re close enough that many visitors do both in one day. It’s an easy way to experience two very different sides of the Ten Thousand Islands area. Helpful pages: Goodland | Everglades City

Does Goodland have beaches?

No. Goodland is a working waterfront village, not a beach town. Visitors looking for sandy beaches usually head to Marco Island or other nearby areas. Helpful page: Goodland

Can I fly my drone in Everglades National Park? No, drones and other unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park, or any other National Park Service site. This includes model airplanes, quadcopters, etc. ( nps.gov )

How to get to Keywadin Island, and what should I bring?

Keywadin Island is only accessible by boat. People reach it from several nearby launches, including Marco Island, Everglades City, and Port of the Islands, depending on where they’re coming from and the conditions. While the island is undeveloped, there are trash cans placed in popular areas, and on busy days boat-based vendors often come by selling items like ice cream, drinks, and simple food. Visitors should still plan ahead by bringing water, sun protection, and anything they’ll need for the day, and always pack out personal trash and respect the natural setting.

Long Term Parking in Port of the Islands

Where can I park my car if I’m leaving in a boat for an extended trip? Check with The Ship Store at (239) 642-3133 or Port of the Islands Marina at (239) 389-0367.

Can I reserve the Mcleod Park for an event? To Reserve the City Park for an Event contact the City Clerk at (239) 695-4558 or email: Dsmallwood@cityofeverglades.org ( CityofEverglades.org )

Trip Time to the Ocean From Port of the Islands

How long does it take to get out to the ocean from Port of the Islands It usually takes around 45 minutes to cruise from the Port of the Islands to the ocean. The journey includes navigating through a long, no-wake zone canal, providing a delightful and unhurried ride. Bring a cover for sun protection during this slow and scenic route. About half an hour in, you’ll arrive at the expansive and naturally beautiful mangroves before reaching the open waters of the ocean.

What are the best ways to experience the Everglades?

The Everglades isn’t something you just drive through and check off a list. The best way to experience it is to slow down. Walk a boardwalk trail, spend time on the water, or explore with someone who knows the area. A mix of trails, scenic drives, and guided tours gives you a much better feel for this place than any single stop. Helpful pages: Things To Do | Parks | Boat Tours

Where can I park in Port of the Islands

In Port of the Islands, where can I park if I’m going out on the water? You can park in the parking lot by Port of the Islands Marina. Check with The Ship Store at (239) 642-3133 or Port of the Islands Marina at (239) 389-0367.

Where is Chokoloskee located?

Chokoloskee is a small island community just across the bridge from Everglades City. It sits right on the edge of the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands, surrounded by water, mangroves, and backcountry routes. Helpful Pages: Chokoloskee

Where is Goodland located?

Goodland is a small waterfront fishing village located between Marco Island and Everglades City. It sits on the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands and is surrounded by water, mangroves, and working docks. Helpful page: Goodland

Where is Ochopee located?

Ochopee is a small rural community along Tamiami Trail (US-41), east of Everglades City, right in the heart of the Everglades. It’s not a town in the traditional sense — more a stretch of road where long-time families still live and work. Helpful page: Ochopee

Where can I hunt in Everglades National Forrest? Hunting is permitted exclusively in Big Cypress Preserve. Visit our hunting page for more details.

Big Cypress Archives

Big Cypress

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FWC Hosts Online Meetings About Wildlife Trapping Regulation Updates

Fishing, News, Parks, Wildlife

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The FWC is holding a series of virtual public meetings to collect feedback directly from Florida residents on proposed changes to modernize wildlife trapping regulations.

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Recreational harvest of Gulf greater amberjack remains closed during May

Fishing

Recreational harvest of Gulf greater amberjack remains closed during May

Staff2025-04-29T16:57:23-04:00April 29, 2025|Fishing|

As a friendly reminder for anglers, recreational harvest of greater amberjack remains closed May 1-31 in Gulf state waters.

It’s Just Florida!
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It’s Just Florida!

Community

It’s Just Florida!

Staff2025-05-05T14:08:58-04:00April 27, 2025|Community|

What a blessing to live in such a beautiful place. There really isn’t another place in the state that affords its residents with year round beauty!

Thank you to the Florida Stone Crabbers Association from Everglades City School
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Thank you to the Florida Stone Crabbers Association from Everglades City School

School

Thank you to the Florida Stone Crabbers Association from Everglades City School

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The Everglades City School students, teachers and I would like to publicly thank the Florida Stone Crabbers Association.

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Obituary of John Gerald Adams

Community

Obituary of John Gerald Adams

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John Gerald Adams passed over the river on March 31, 2025, his pain and suffering will be no more.

Homestead Bound
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Homestead Bound

Community, News

Homestead Bound

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After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from the printed Mullet Rapper newspaper.

It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season
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It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Wildlife

It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Staff2025-04-09T16:16:19-04:00April 22, 2025|Wildlife|

Sea turtle nesting season has begun, and the FWC urges 10,000 Islands residents and visitors to help protect these threatened and endangered species.

What Do You Call It?
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What Do You Call It?

Community

What Do You Call It?

Staff2025-04-09T16:15:17-04:00April 20, 2025|Community|

It’s a call I enjoy getting. “Pastor, would you like some fish?” Of course, I said yes, what person doesn’t like fish?

Business Spotlight: Chokoloskee Family Church
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Business Spotlight: Chokoloskee Family Church

Community, News

Business Spotlight: Chokoloskee Family Church

Staff2025-11-26T20:55:25-05:00April 19, 2025|Community, News|

They came in boats, navigating the wild, untamed waters of the Ten Thousand Islands. Sometimes alone, sometimes with their families.

A Legend Get’s Recoginized
Gallery
A Legend Get’s Recoginized

Community, News

A Legend Get’s Recoginized

Staff2025-11-26T20:55:41-05:00April 17, 2025|Community, News|

Capt. Franklin Adams, a renowned conservationist, historian, and Gladesman, has received a prestigious award from the Friends of Fakahatchee.

No. Dogs must always be kept on a leash when visiting Everglades National Park and surrounding park lands.

In most areas, dogs are not allowed on trails, boardwalks, or backcountry routes at all, even on a leash. Where pets are permitted (such as certain roadside or developed areas), they must be:

On a leash no longer than 6 feet
Under control at all times
Kept out of wildlife areas and water

These rules are in place to protect:

Sensitive wildlife (including birds, reptiles, and mammals)
Fragile ecosystems
Your dog’s safety (alligators, snakes, and heat are real risks here)

If you’re traveling with a dog, it’s best to check specific park rules before visiting or plan pet-friendly activities outside the national park boundaries.

FWC Hosts Online Meetings About Wildlife Trapping Regulation Updates

FWC Hosts Online Meetings About Wildlife Trapping Regulation Updates

Recreational harvest of Gulf greater amberjack remains closed during May

Recreational harvest of Gulf greater amberjack remains closed during May

It’s Just Florida!

It’s Just Florida!

Thank you to the Florida Stone Crabbers Association from Everglades City School

Thank you to the Florida Stone Crabbers Association from Everglades City School

Obituary of John Gerald Adams

Obituary of John Gerald Adams

Homestead Bound

Homestead Bound

It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season

It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season

What Do You Call It?

What Do You Call It?

Business Spotlight: Chokoloskee Family Church

Business Spotlight: Chokoloskee Family Church

A Legend Get’s Recoginized

A Legend Get’s Recoginized

FAQ’s

Are dogs allowed off leash in the park?

Can I visit Goodland and Everglades City in the same day?

Does Goodland have beaches?

Drones in the Park?

How to get to Keywadin Island, and what should I bring?

Long Term Parking in Port of the Islands

Reserve Mcleod Park?

Trip Time to the Ocean From Port of the Islands

What are the best ways to experience the Everglades?

Where can I park in Port of the Islands

Where is Chokoloskee located?

Where is Goodland located?

Where is Ochopee located?

Which Park to Hunt