History Of Keystone Heights
    
The early years of the Florida land boom saw the development of a town originally called Brooklyn. But in 1921, J.J. Lawrence, of Pittsburgh, Pa., settled there and was responsible for the adoption of the present name in honor of his home state, which is called the "Keystone State". Keystone Heights was incorporated in 1925.
The Keystone Inn, which was located across the Keystone Beach on South Lawrence Boulevard was built in the early 20's as were roads and several of Keystone's first homes. The Keystone Inn celebrated its grand opening on January 1, 1924.  In the early days well up into the late 40's and early 50's, it was the focal point of many social activities within the community.
The Keystone Inn as it appeared in the mid 1920s
Keystone Inn Lobby
Click on the link below for photos and information on the Lawrence Development Company.
A fire raged through its upper floors in 1954.   From that time, the property was left vacant and no repair or improvements were made to bring it back to its original state.  The city of Keystone Heights through a grant from the State of Florida purchased the property in early 2000.  Unfortunately, they had to demolish it due to the neglected state of the building.  The property was then converted into a walking park for the residents.
Click on the link below for floor plans and elevations of the Keystone Inn.

Babbitt's Drug Store was one of the first established businesses in town.  The building was built circa 1924.
It is still standing today and is presently occupied by
"The Locker Room" owned by Elise Moore.
Many businesses are family-owned service, retail and professional enterprises, which along with the headquarters of Clay Electric, provide the personal one-to-one service.

There are a number of civic and social organizations - the Keystone Golf and Country Club, Federated Women's Club, Junior Women's Club, Social Sorority, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Senior Services Center and the Business Association. Recreational opportunities include a public beach with bathhouses and shaded picnic tables, public boat ramps on many lakes, lighted tennis courts and a private golf courses open to public play - plus dozens of lakes of all sizes, or fishing, cabins and campsites, canoeing, picnic pavilions and nature trails.
Click below for Historic Keystone Heights Pictures
The Lake Region provides a unique of life for all. The Keystone Lake Region Business Association encourages you to become interested and involved in our community, and support the people who make the lake region such a wonderful area to call "home".