Florida Spectacular

Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 7: Purple Isles: Legend, Lore, and Truth

Subscriber Episode Cathy Salustri Season 1 Episode 7

Subscriber-only episode

Send us your Florida questions!

Islamorada means "purple island." After all, Isla (island) and morada (purple), right? Think again. 

Brad explains why that's not how this part of the Florida Keys got its name. He takes Cathy — and listeners — on an armchair journey on why the "morada" in the name dates back to William Krome and Flagler's railroad and means "island home" rather than "purple islands." 

Take a listen to find out why. 

Question or comment? Email us at cathy@floridaspectacular.com.

Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Keep up with Rick at studiohourglass.blogspot.com and get his books at rickkilby.com.

Find Cathy on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy and everywhere else as @CathySalustri; connect with Rick Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Bluesky (@oldfla.bsky.social), and IG (@ricklebee).

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