Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge
Passage Key is Closed to Visitation - Please, No Landing!
Established in 1905 by President Teddy Roosevelt, Passage Key's purpose is to preserve nesting colonies of native sea and wading birds.
Originally a 60 acre mangrove island that featured a fresh water lake, Passage Key was almost entirely destroyed by a hurricane in 1921. It is now a low lying sandbar that fluctuates in size from one to 30 acres.. Due to its importance as one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Tampa Bay, it is closed to public use.
Passage Key Photo Gallery
Hurricane Update - Opening Notice
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is now open, though all structures in or near the lighthouse area and within the private property of the Pilots Compound remain off limits. Significant damage remains from recent hurricanes, please exercise caution while visiting the refuge and obey all posted warnings and direction by Service staff and Law Enforcement Officers.