About I Love Cedar Key & Island Life
Welcome to Cedar Key! Whether you are visiting our island for a relaxing weekend getaway, newly moving to the area, or looking to get more connected with the community, this guide is designed to help you navigate local island life. From understanding golf cart street regulations on State Road 24 and planning around our small-town business hours to discovering historical landmarks, local volunteer groups, and working waterfront organizations, here is everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Cedar Key.
I Love Cedar Key
What is I Love Cedar Key?
I Love Cedar Key is an independent digital publication, newsletter, and community resource dedicated to sharing the history, culture, eco-tourism, and local life of Cedar Key. If you’ve ever said, “I love Cedar Key!” then this info is for you!
How can I stay updated on local news and events in Cedar Key?
Subscribe to the free I Love Cedar Key email newsletter to receive regular updates on community events, local business spotlights, regional history, and island guides directly to your inbox.
How can local businesses feature products or sponsor content?
I partner with local businesses, non-profit organizations, local government, and eco-tourism operators. Contact Lisa directly to discuss newsletter & website placements, event features, and sponsored spotlights.
Visiting & Island Life
Where is Cedar Key located, and how do I get there?
Cedar Key is located in Levy County, Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico at the end of State Road 24, approximately 50 miles southwest of Gainesville. Important Visitor Tip: Please make sure to read the section below about groceries before heading onto the island as Cedar Key currently does not have a local full-service market.
What do I need to know about business hours?
Cedar Key is a small, close-knit island community where life moves at a relaxed pace. Because many shops and restaurants are locally and family-owned, business hours can shift seasonally or on short notice—and owners don't always update their hours on Google. We recommend calling ahead or stopping into town with a flexible mindset.
Is Cedar Key golf-cart friendly? What are the rules?
Yes! Golf carts (NOT ATV’s/UTV’s) are one of the primary ways to navigate our historic streets, neighborhoods, and waterfront areas. However, speed and safety rules apply: only street-legal golf carts are permitted on State Road 24 (SR 24). Standard non-registered golf carts must remain on local island side streets where low-speed vehicles are authorized. Drivers must have a drivers license. Please pull over and let faster moving traffic go around you. No drinking on golf carts…You will get a DUI!
Where Do I Buy Groceries in Cedar Key?
To find the most updated list of where to get groceries and how to stock your kitchen, visit this link: Where to Buy Groceries | Island Stock Up Guide
What Are the Top Things To Do in Cedar Key?
Start your trip at the Welcome Center at 450 2nd Street for map guides and local tips. Dive into our rich regional heritage at the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, 609 2nd St and the Cedar Museum State Park, 12231 SW 166th Ct. Other favorite activities include strolling down Dock Street, walking the pier, kayaking through coastal estuaries, booking scenic eco-tours, going fishing with a guide, bird watching, and sampling fresh local seafood straight from our gulf waters. Visit the To-Do page to see what’s happening in Cedar Key.
What Restaurants and Bars Are Open in Cedar Key?
To find the most updated list of restaurants and bars in Cedar Key, visit this link: Open Cedar Key Restaurants | A Complete Guide With Hours (2026)
What Is Open On Dock Street in Cedar Key?
To find things to do on Dock Street in Cedar Key, visit this link: Things to Do On Dock Street | Explore What’s Open & Best Views (2026)
When Are Cedar Key’s Annual Festivals?
Cedar Key Seafood Festival: Held annually on the 3rd weekend in October.
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts: Held annually on the 1st weekend in April.
How Do I Become a Vendor at Cedar Key’s Annual Festivals?
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts: visit https://cedarkeyartscenter.org/the-old-florida-celebration-of-the-arts/
Cedar Key Seafood Festival: visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/cedar_key/
City of Cedar Key Contact Info
City Hall Administration & Building Department
Location: 809 6th Street | Phone: (352) 543-5132
Services: Building permits, zoning inquiries, public records requests, local city commission agendas, and general municipal support.
Cedar Key Police Department
Location: 809 6th Street | Non-Emergency Phone: (352) 543-5180
Emergency: Call 911
Cedar Key Fire Department / Rescue
Location: 489 1st Street | Non-Emergency Phone: (352) 543-5132
Emergency: Call 911
Community & Local Engagement
Where can I find local volunteer opportunities in Cedar Key?
I regularly feature community volunteer drives, food pantry workdays, and local volunteer projects in the weekly newsletter. Subscribe here. You can also check the I Love Cedar Key blog for current ways to support Cedar Key initiatives.
What local groups and civic organizations can I get involved with in Cedar Key?
Cedar Key relies on an active network of community volunteers, civic organizations, and local non-profits. Reach out to any of the following groups to learn more about membership or volunteering:
Cedar Key Aquaculture Association Focus: Supporting and representing Cedar Key's hard clam farming industry Address: P.O. Box 252, Cedar Key, FL 32625
Cedar Key Arts Center Location: 457 2nd Street | Phone: (352) 543-5400 | Email: [email protected] | Web: cedarkeyartscenter.org
Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce / Welcome Center Location: 450 2nd Street | Phone: (352) 543-5600 | Web: cedarkey.org
Cedar Key Eagles (Fraternal Order of Eagles 4194)Location: 7010 B Street | Phone: (352) 543-9789
Cedar Key Food Pantry Location: 11912 SR 24 | Phone: (352) 477-0136
Cedar Key Historical Society & Museum Location: 622 2nd Street | Phone: (352) 543-5549 | Email: [email protected]
Cedar Key Lions Club Address: P.O. Box 68 | Phone: (352) 477-1276
Cedar Key Oystermen's Association Focus: Preserving local wild harvest traditions and coastal habitat restoration Address: P.O. Box 71, Cedar Key, FL 32625
Cedar Key School Parent Teacher Organization Location: 951 Whiddon Avenue | Phone: (352) 543-5223
Cedar Key Woman's Club Address: P.O. Box 631 | Phone: (352) 543-5524
Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy Address: P.O. Box 401, Cedar Key, FL 32625 | Email: [email protected]
Friends of the Cedar Key Library Location: 460 2nd Street | Phone: (352) 477-5028
Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges Address: P.O. Box 532 | [email protected]
ReCedar Key Email: [email protected] | Web: recedarkey.com
UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (Citizen Science Projects) Location: 552 1st Street | Phone: (352) 325-6078 | Email: [email protected] | Web: ncbs.ifas.ufl.edu
If you have questions I didn't cover, or need help connecting with a local group, I am always here to help visitors, neighbors, and newcomers navigate island life. If you are looking for more information, have a local news tip, or want to get involved, reach out using the contact form at ilovecedarkey.com. Thanks for your interest! - Lisa 🌴
