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Monkey Island was created in the 1960s and is a bit outdated. Ralph, Ebony, and Emily – the local (and hairy) celebrities that call it home – are away at Boyett's Grove in Brooksville as their sandy home is redeveloped. You can visit them at their vacation home. This is the closest you'll ever get to them before they head back to Homosassa.
Monkey Island has been around since the 1960s and very little has been done to maintain it – until now. Renovations are now underway on the island, but the work isn't done after that is completed. Monkeys still need to be fed and cared for. Locals know that Ralph, Ebony and Emily are getting older and it is even more expensive to replace them. That’s why fundraising is an important part of the historic island’s existence.
Ralph, Emily and Ebony. They are the energetic primates living on Florida's own version of Alcatraz, Monkey Island. They love to swing by their tails, enjoy the scenic views of Homosassa River and eat. Their favorite meal? Sweet potato.
Back in the 1960s, a Citrus County developer tried to fix two problems and ended up creating Florida's own Alcatraz. Monkey Island remains a fixture for the state's Nature Coast, beloved by locals and an attraction for visitors.
Monkey Island has sat in the Homosassa River for decades. But now, a major project will begin to overhaul and update the tiny island, and it couldn't have been done without the Nature Coast community rallying together.
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