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The Express Gazette
Monday, October 26, 2026

Florida Keys Private Island Lists for $17 Million, Boasting Celebrity Neighbor

Howell Key offers a secluded retreat with a five-bedroom home, private beach, and proximity to actress Sydney Sweeney's estate.

US Politics • 3 hours ago
Florida Keys Private Island Lists for $17 Million, Boasting Celebrity Neighbor

A 9.69-acre private island in the Florida Keys, known as Howell Key, has been listed for sale at $16.9 million. The property offers a secluded tropical escape, complete with a five-bedroom home, a sandy beach, a saltwater pool, a private dock, and a pickleball court. The island is also situated near Summerland Key, where actress Sydney Sweeney purchased a $13.5 million mansion in 2024.

The main residence on Howell Key, spanning 3,352 square feet, was completed in 2015. It features cathedral ceilings, coastal-inspired interiors, and large windows with water views. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet, and a separate guest wing, accessible via a covered walkway, contains its own living room, breakfast bar, and two bedrooms. The property is being sold fully furnished.

Interior view of the main house

Outdoor amenities include a saltwater pool, a private dock, a fire pit, a gazebo, an outdoor kitchen, and multiple decks. The island also features a pickleball court, groomed trails, a pasture, a barn, and a chicken coop. The sale includes a 21-foot fishing boat, a barge, a tractor, and a golf cart.

The island operates off-grid, powered by solar energy with battery storage. A reverse-osmosis filtration system provides water, supplemented by a backup generator. The property's construction was designed to withstand extreme weather, having reportedly fared well during Hurricane Irma in 2017. The current owners acquired Howell Key in 2012 and finished construction three years later.

Solar power and battery storage units

Despite its seclusion, Howell Key is a short boat ride from Summerland Key, which offers amenities such as a grocery store, gas station, and restaurants. Key West is approximately 30 minutes away by boat, providing access to a commercial airport and a downtown area. Short-term vacation rentals are prohibited on the island, emphasizing privacy over commercial use. The listing agent is Lisa Ferringo of Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate.


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