Q: Is Pennekamp Reef also known as Molasses Reef? If so, how did it get that name? -- Cynthia

A: I'm not aware of anything called Pennekamp Reef. You're probably thinking of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, named after a newspaper editor and environmentalist.

The state park covers a lot of water near the Florida reef system and provides boat access to it. The reef system starts south of Miami Beach and follows the Keys southwest, past Key West. Several areas along the reef system have been given specific names, like Molasses Reef.

Molasses Reef is outside the state park's water boundary. However, it appears to span 2 marine sanctuaries: the north end in Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary and the south end in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. One story about how its name came about is that a ship carrying molasses ran aground here.

Many sites along the reef have been given names relating to shipwrecks. Some are named for animals, some for people.

Check out Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys by William Harrigan for an excellent overview of the Florida reef, its wildlife, dive operators and more.

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