Key West, Florida

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and encompasses the island of Key West, Sigsbee Park, Fleming Key, Sunset Key, and part of Stock Island. Both Fleming Key and Sigsbee Park are part of the United States Naval Station and are inaccessible to civilians. Key West has been occupied since the 16th century, when it was a fishing and salvage village in Spanish territory. The area was considered the “Gibraltar of the West” due to its strategic location on a 90-mile wide, deep shipping lane called the Straits of Florida. The Straits lie between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 90 miles from Cuba.

Key West underwent major development and growth in the late 19th century and by 1889, it was the largest and wealthiest city in Florida. The community became connected to Florida mainland in 1912 via an extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. Later, after a hurricane destroyed the railway, the U.S. government reconstructed the rail route as an automobile highway. Due to Key West’s island location surrounded by miles of ocean, fresh water was always hard to come by. Pumping and distilling plants, such as the Key West Desalting Plant, were established however they could not meet the demand of the area. In 1941, construction of a 128-mile pipeline made out of 18-inch pipe finally commenced. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority played a major role in fresh water distribution, and maintains this role today as sole provider of potable water for all Florida Keys residents. Today, the largest employer in Key West is the U.S. Armed Services, which includes civilian support and contractors.

Key West’s extensive navy background combined with its construction industry places the city in a high risk category for asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma attorneys may be able to assist you if you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos in Key West, Florida.

Jobsites in Key West where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Key West, FL have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.