Biscayne National Park encompasses 207 square miles, with 95 percent of its area taking in the Biscayne Bay. The long string of Florida Keys begins just south of Miami and cuts through the bay. One small 32 acre island, Boca Chita Key, was once a private getaway for a Honeywell Corporation tycoon, Mark Honeywell, in the 1930s.
     The island, without power and freshwater, is part of the national park. Camping, a short hiking trail and picnicking are part of the attraction on this small key. The island's main draw is the 65 foot ornamental lighthouse. Made of coral rock, this sculpture lasted as a navigational beacon for less than a day. Built to guide the Honeywell's back to their island, the U.S. Coast Guard received no official request for this navigational aid, and quickly stopped its beam. The Boca Chita Lighthouse has since been a wonderful landmark to the park area, as Honeywell had given up his plans for the land after a personal family tragedy.