It is a Wing Keel, its design is somewhat similar to a Bulb Keel which allows significant ballast weight without increasing the draft. Besides the weight the wing keel is intended to generate a downward force and help in pointing ability but its main function is to perform as a shallow draft keel. It has a downside and that is that if the boat grounds in sand the keel can bury itself like an anchor. Also you may not heel the boat to scape a grounding. The secret to escaping a soft grounding would be to turn and point the boat to deeper water and then push forward while turning the wheel back and forth from port to starboard. Shifting crew weight to the stern also can help. You will enjoy that keel in Florida.