Outdoor Resorts Long Key (ORLK) is located on US 1 - 66 miles from Key West and 99 miles from Miami. The location is on the Gulf of Mexico and a 5-minute boat ride to the Atlantic Ocean.
Outdoor Resorts has 35 acres and 408 units. Homes are a mixture of cement, and double wide pre-fabs on stilts, doublewides, and a few pads for campers. Owners hail from all over the world. ORLK has 168 waterfront canal sites and 50 have gulf-dockage and unending views. The land lots have dockage in the marina and a ramp. Warm breezes give sailors enjoyable times on both the gulf and ocean waters.
The marina has a convenience store, stocking bait, gas, and food. Other amenities include a heated pool, tennis, pickle ball, shuffleboard, library, dog park playground, ping pong, pool tables, and our own private beach.
Several meeting rooms, Tiki Island, and a fisherman's park are gathering places and are available for personal family celebrations. You can always find activities to spice up your life and excitement including sunrise and sunset viewing, kayaking and photography.
We are a portal to deep sea port fishing, reef fishing, bone fishing, diving, snorkeling, and all water sports. The three-mile bridge is the Tarpon capital of the Keys and the opening to all salt-water species. Zane Gray's fishing camp was at this location.
OUR HISTORY
Prior to the hurricane of 1935, our location was part of the LONG KEY Fishing Camp. The land was purchased for $65,000 in 1963. The development was known as the "Long Key Project". It was one of the Outdoor Resorts of American properties until it was converted to a condominium and became Outdoor Resorts @ Long Key.
In the early days, lots were sold from a trailer. During the pre-development stage, purchasers could have their choice of lots of $5,000 along the highway; $6,000 on the canal; or $7,000 on the bay. The finger canals were dredged first and then the main canal. Around 1973 the bridges were constructed.
The original electrical system was designed for RVs with 30-amp service handled through what was called the 'blue boxes' running along the back section of the lots. Within a short time, it was determined that storage of boat trailers was. problem. When an ocean lot became available it was purchased and a lottery was done to determine who gets the spaces available.
The marina store was originally owned by a private party and purchased by the association in 1979 for $60,000. The recreation building was built by the developer for commercial use: restaurant, storage, laundry, etc. and eventually would not survive without outside patrons. In 1986-1987 the building was purchased by a community member (Kay Weeks), and she transferred them to the Association. One of our buildings is known as the Kay Weeks building.
In the early 90's, a new water system was installed under the direction of the FLKKA, and ownership was transferred to the association for maintenance and management. In 2000 the membership voted to change documents to allow construction of elevated homes on pilings which allowed increase parking at units. Floating docks were installed as well.
In 2004, members voted to allow concrete construction of elevated homes which increased the value of homes and the community. Later, the maximum square footage of living space was increased.
In 2010, Monroe County stated that all sewer systems had to be brought up to code and ORLK upgraded to comply.
