Biscayne

Biscayne is a geographic toponym in Southeast Florida, most closely associated with Biscayne Bay, a shallow lagoon along the Atlantic coast, and with Biscayne National Park, which protects marine and island ecosystems in the area. The name also appears in local places such as Biscayne Boulevard and Biscayne Park.

Biscayne Bay lies along the coast of Miami-Dade County, bordered by Key Biscayne to the southeast and the city of Miami to the west. It is a shallow estuary with extensive mangrove habitats and seagrass beds that support fish, manatees, birds, and invertebrates. The bay connects to the Florida Keys and the Atlantic through inlets and channels.

Biscayne National Park was established in 1968 to protect the bay’s aquatic ecosystems and surrounding keys, including Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. The park covers about 173,000 acres, most of it underwater, and preserves coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and a shipwreck trail. It offers boating, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing.

The region includes urban areas of Greater Miami, with development along Biscayne Boulevard. It faces environmental pressures such as water-quality issues, coastal development, invasive species, and rising sea levels. Management is shared by local governments and the National Park Service, aiming to balance conservation with recreation and economic activity.

The origin of the name "Biscayne" is not definitively established; it appears in early maps with various spellings, and its exact source remains uncertain.