The islands off the tip of Florida are called Keys What does key mean in this case?

In the context of the islands off the tip of Florida, "key" refers to a small, low island or islet typically formed from coral or sand deposits. In this case, the Florida Keys are a chain of islands that extend from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The name "Keys" comes from the Spanish word "cayo," which means "small island." The Florida Keys are known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and abundant marine life, and they are a popular destination for tourism and recreation.