Cedar Key is a very small airfield and great care needs to be taken if you intend to
fly in here. The runway is short so there is no room for errors. The sea is right on the
end of runway 05 and at the other end is a large ditch and more water to catch the unwary.
If you normally operate from airfields with long runways, Cedar Key is not the place to
attempt short field landings for the first time!
There is also no separate taxi way. The road adjacent to the runway is not to be used
by aircraft. After landing on runway 05, turn around and taxi back to the ramp. If landing
on runway 23 the ramp is at the far end. The ramp is also small, holding perhaps three or
four aircraft, although it is acceptable to park on the grass to the north of the runway.
Watch out for the water and ditch!
(Photograph courtesy of Alan Le Marinel)
The CTAF frequency is monitored by the local taxi firm, operated as a family business.
They have one large but slightly battered taxi and they will enquire whether you require
their services when you first call up on the frequency. If you plan on visiting the small
village you will definitely require a ride. The taxi firm does not have a fixed charging
structure. The simple method they work on is "pay me what you think". As a
guide, from all the pilots I have spoken to about Cedar Key, the general rule seems to be
around $5 each way for the ride into town.
Cedar Key was once a strategic port for the Confederate States of America although it
is now a commercial fishing centre and consequently the seafood caught locally is served
fresh in the restaurants situated along the sea front. There are a number to choose from
although my personal recommendation would be the Captain’s Table. The restaurant is
situated on the first floor and has extensive views out to sea. The food is very good and
their deserts are home-made.
After your meal make sure you walk out along the pier to watch the pelicans that sit
alongside the fisherman and do not be surprised if you see dolphins swimming in the bay.
Take time also to browse through the shops along the main street. They are diverse and
interesting and there is one small art shop that even sells model aircraft made from items
of cutlery!
If you are interested in the history of the area you can also visit the Cedar Key
Historical Society Museum which contains photographs and exhibits charting the area’s
development. The Museum also contains various displays of Native American artefacts and is
open Monday to Saturday from 11.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. and on Sunday from 2.00 p.m. until
5.00 p.m. Further details can be obtained by telephoning ++ (352) 543 5549.
All in all, Cedar Key is a quaint and unique little town, full of character, and well
worth a visit. The whole view along Cedar Key’s main street could have been taken
straight out of one of the films of Walt Disney!
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