The All-New Egmont - Our Most Requested Fuse Sunglasses

Finally, what you’ve all been waiting for - the launch of our most requested Fuse Sunglasses ever - The Fuse Egmont! These bad boys feature our largest lens yet on a Fuse Frame as well as rubber nose pads to keep your sunnies in place, and a sleek inset logo in the temples. If you’re looking for a frame that can get you through your outdoor adventures or just your everyday, this is it! 

Named after Egmont Key, a small key located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and just southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach, these classic squared shades were designed to hold up to the toughest treatment and stay in place throughout your day. In honor of our new frames, we thought we would tell a little bit about the island these shades are named after. 

History

Inhabitants of this island can be traced back to over 2,000 years ago, however, it was not until 1757 that Spanish explorer, Don Francisco Maria Celi, discovered the island and made it known to Europeans. The key was originally named La Isla de San Blas y Barreda. The island's original name and original rule from Spain was short-lived. Florida became a British colony just six years later and the island was named after John Perceval, the second Earl of Egmont. By 1783, Florida was ceded back to Spain, however, the name Egmont Key stuck with it. 

In 1848, the first lighthouse on the island was made. At the time of being built, it was the only lighthouse between St. Marks and Key West. In September of the same year, a hurricane hit the island, covering it with over 6 feet of water. Only a few weeks later, the key was hit with another hurricane, and then a third one in 1852. These hurricanes destroyed the lighthouse, but rebuilding of it began in 1857. The lighthouse was moved 90 feet inland to avoid being damaged by another hurricane and by 1858, the lighthouse was back up and running. Today, the lighthouse is one of the main attractions of Egmont Key and has withstood the test of time and weather for 162 years. 

In 1898, Fort Dade was built on Egmont Key to shield Tampa Bay from the impending Spanish-American War. The fort was completed in 1906. At this time the city had more than 300 residents and had many features including brick roads, electricity, telephones, a hospital, jail, movie theater, bowling alley and tennis courts. The fort was no longer in use around 1923 and the Tampa Bay Pilots Association took over operations on the island in 1926. Today, the pilots association currently inhabits the island along with one Florida State Park staff member. The island is no longer inhabited by anyone besides its caretakers. The island can still be visited for viewing of the beaches, lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade in order for visitors to discover the past life of Egmont Key. 

Fun Facts

1. Egmont Key is one of the most popular spots for boaters in Tampa Bay. 
2. The island is only accessible by boat!
3. The island is roughly 440 acres. 
4. Fort Dade, completed on the island in 1906, played an important role in many wars, including the second and third Seminole Wars, the Spanish-American War and World War I. 
5. The island offers no restrooms, lifeguards, concession stands or cabins. 
6. The southern ¼ of the island is closed to visitors as there is a bird sanctuary.
7. The lighthouse on the island is not open to the public.
8. Some of the wildlife that can be found on the island include gopher tortoises, hummingbirds, and seabirds. 
9. For over 70 years, the island has been the center of a pilot station which serves ship traffic in and out of Tampa Bay. 
10. Drinking water cannot be found anywhere on this remote island.

Egmont Key is definitely a landmark in the Tampa Bay area. It has breathtaking beaches, an abundance of wildlife, and hosts a look into history with its lighthouse and Fort Dade. With its rich history and beautiful features, we thought Egmont Key was the perfect island to name our new frames after. Shop our new Egmont Frames and become a part of the history of Egmont.