Florida Keys & Key West
The Keys

The Keys, located at the southernmost tip of Florida, trail gracefully towards the Caribbean like a string of pearls in the aquamarine waters. Although so close to the mainland, their culture could not be more different - the Caribbean influence is strong and with their easygoing attitude and renegade spirit the Keys are more of a state of mind than a location.

THE CONCH REPUBLIC...
On April 23rd, 1982, the Florida Keys seceded from the United States of America and formed the Conch Republic. This drastic action was taken in response to a blockade set up by the United States Border Patrol on U.S.1 at Florida City, just to the north of the Keys, in order to catch illegal immigrants and drug smugglers. This resulted in alienating the residents of the Keys, who had to prove they were American citizens whenever they wanted to leave and it drastically reduced the number of tourists - the life blood of the Keys. Protests were ignored and the federal blockade continued. As the clock struck 12 noon on the day of secession, the proclamation of secession was read aloud and the Conch Republic became an independent nation. A loaf of stale Cuban bread was broken over a man dressed in U.S. Navy uniform - the rebellion had begun. After one minute the new Prime Minister surrendered to the Admiral in charge of the naval base at Key West, demanding $1 billion in foreign aid and war relief to rebuild their shattered nation after the long Federal siege. The foreign aid never arrived but the blockade was quietly lifted. The residents of the Keys continue to celebrate their independence every year with a week-long celebration.

EXPERIENCE THE UNBELIEVABLE BEAUTY OF THE DEEP...
The first stop is Key Largo, the northernmost island and only an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two main airports. Key Largo calls itself the Dive Capital of the world, largely due to the magnificent John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - a 78 square mile of living coral reef. Visiting the reef is a must whether you snorkel, dive or take a glass bottomed boat ride. However you go, the descriptions you have heard cannot come close to the beauty of the reef, with its multi colored fish and delicate corals. There are several wrecks to be explored, although you will not discover any treasure as they were sunk to encourage tourism and take some of the pressure off the reef's delicate ecosystem. One noted underwater attraction is the 9 foot tall, 4000 lb bronze statue known as Christ of the Deep, modeled after Christ of the Abyss located off the coast of Genoa, Italy.

THE GAME FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD...
Traveling down through Tavernier, you come to Islamorada which claims to be the game fishing capital of the world. Whether you charter your own boat or join a fishing party boat you will have opportunities to cast for the big deep water fish such as marlin, sailfish, bonefish and tuna - strap in and get ready for the fight of your life! Islamorada is home to the Theatre of the Sea, which is a smaller more intimate marine park than found in other parts of the state, allowing you to get closer to the animals.

THE BRIDGE KNOWN AS THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD...
More family oriented with its museums and nature centre off Crane Point, Marathon lies at the heart of the Florida Keys. Originally named Vaca or Cow by the early Spanish settlers, its name was changed to Marathon in the 1900s by the workers who had the backbreaking task of building the over sea railroad. Henry Flagler became interested in linking Key West to the mainland after the United States announced the proposed construction of the Panama Canal in 1905. With Key West being the closest U.S. deep-water port to the canal it would be able to take advantage of not only the Cuban and Latin American trade but also the significant trade routes to the west opened up by the canal. The construction of the Overseas Railroad was a massive undertaking requiring up to four thousand men during the seven year construction project - once finished the bridge became known as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

RELAX IN THE COOL WATERS AND OBSERVE THE WILDLIFE...
The most natural of the main keys, Big Pine Key is home to a population of key deer - a tiny white-tailed deer and a relative of the Virginia white tailed deer - practically hunted to extinction in times gone by, and now finding itself on the endangered species list. The Blue Hole is an abandoned limestone quarry and is the largest body of fresh water in the Keys and home to a population of soft-shell turtles and the odd alligator. It’s a popular destination with both locals and visitors alike who come to the cool waters to relax and enjoy the wildlife.

CUDJOE KEY...
South of Big Pine Key is Cudjoe Key from where the U.S. Government broadcasts TV & Radio Marti to Cuba from an aerostat hovering at 10,000 feet, at an annual cost of $23 million. Named after the late-nineteenth century Cuban independence fighter - Jose Marti - it broadcasts American news, sitcoms and soap operas, causing the Cubans much trouble and effort in their attempt to block the signal.

BOHEMIAN WORLD, FULL OF HISTORY AND CHARACTER...
Key West – everything old is new again. Enter a world of artists, sidewalk cafes and street performers. Key West has the bohemian feel usually only found in the Caribbean. With its history of famous residents, including Ernest Hemingway and Harry Truman, Key West has a varied and interesting history encompassing cigar making and its importance as a military outpost.

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