A passionate chocolatier, Kristie makes many appearances at Keys festivals with her truffles. (Photos courtesy of Key Largo Chocolates)

Kristie has a passion for baking Key lime cakes and crafting chocolate shells into a creative niche for truffles, each handmade from natural ingredients including the best chocolate from around the globe.

Much of the world’s cacao comes from areas within 20 degrees of the equator, she reports, and one of her favorite cacao products is Machu Picchu from Peru.

Kristie’s husband Bob oversees the company’s marketing, handling custom orders and special events. He refers to his wife’s superbly sweet talents as having “panache with ganache.”

Key Largo Chocolates, located at mile marker 100.5 bayside, grew out of Kristie’s success with her first love — Key lime cakes. Not a professional baker, she attended cake school for cake design and decorating, and dabbled in making her daughter’s Key lime wedding cake in addition to decorative and delectable chocolate seashells.

At a flavor university, Kristie trained among researchers for Kellogg’s, Quaker Oats and candy companies to detect flavor notes and tastes. That training helped develop her ability to balance the cocoa with yummy additions of Ké Ké Key Lime Liquor, bourbon, whiskey and secret spices.

Kristie’s neat-as-a-button chocolate factory and store delight the senses.

In addition to her numerous “everyday” truffles, Kristie concocts seasonal treats that include a dizzying array of flavorful fudges, toffees and specialty barks made with peppermint, cream, pralines and hazelnuts.

A while back, her “pumpkin-pie-less” spiced truffle even won first place in the dessert category at the annual Key Largo Cookoff. However, there’s no pumpkin in it — just secret spices.

The Key Largo kudo is not the only award Kristie has won. Her Key lime truffles placed second in a nationwide taste competition in Atlantic City, behind an offering from the Ruth’s Kris steakhouse conglomerate.

“We’re just a little chocolate company,” Kristie said modestly. “We’ve grown in leaps and bounds, and we enter contests and festivals as often as we can to help our growth spurts.”

Her Key lime confections include freshly squeezed, locally grown limes. With the help of a pastry chef, she creates six- and eight-inch Key lime cakes and cupcakes in addition to rum cakes, a flavor favorite. Her passion for working with chocolate runs as deep.

Kristie says keeping the chocolate for her truffles tempered, or at a temperature ideal for its sheen and consistency, is a challenge in the humid climate of the subtropical Florida Keys since chocolate can absorb moisture.

Kristie has mastered how to temper her chocolate and create beautifully flavored seashells with an attractive sheen.

“To make up to 300 truffles a day, the chocolate needs to be perfect,” she said. With air conditioning and dehumidifiers, she manages to keep her kitchen near a cool 68 degrees.

Entering Kristie’s vibrant store, visitors are greeted by a daunting display of aromatic chocolates to choose from — each a shiny melt-in-your-mouth nugget of heaven. Packaged in lovely boxes, the truffles tempt customers to sneak a sample even before they make it out the door. Plus, the emporium offers ice cream.

In addition, some Upper Keys hotels as well as Key Largo and Islamorada retail stores carry Key Largo Chocolates. Patrons at Key Largo restaurants might also be fortunate enough to find a mousse-filled chocolate seashell on the dessert specials menu.

No matter where her morsels are found, Kristie Thomas aims to please. She delights in the satisfied faces of her customers that testify how irresistible her creations can be.

“People like to treat themselves,” she summed up. “People love chocolates.”

Royal Poinciana blooms make a blazing canopy above Key West rooftops. (Photo by Steve Smith)

For vintage car enthusiasts, May 25 kicks off the Southernmost Car Show and Festival Weekend. Presented by the First Class Petty Officer Association from Naval Air Station Key West, this annual benefit car show and festival is part of a commemoration of the 237th birthday of the U.S. Navy.

If you want to show your vehicle, you must register — and for attendees, the weekend will be a great time to see vintage cars, check out vendors’ wares, eat local delicacies, and enjoy the historic Truman Annex waterfront.

Shortly afterward, on June 6, the South Florida Symphony will celebrate Pride Month with a chamber music concert featuring Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet in D Major. Held at the acclaimed Tennessee Williams Cabaret Theatre, the event includes a pre-concert reception and a Meet the Musicians reception afterwards. Where else on an island can you hear symphonic musicians playing pieces by a reputedly gay composer?

And of course June 6 brings Key West’s annual Pride celebration. This 5-day Pride event includes a film festival, dance parties, Pride pageants, a street fair, and a parade down historic Duval Street.

Key West Pride includes a colorful grand parade along famed Duval Street.

Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan will present his hilarious new one-man show, and our Pride luncheon will showcase Erin Davies’ now famous “FagBug.” Plus, on Friday, the documentary of her 58-day tour around the nation will be presented at the Tropic Cinema with a meet-and-greet following the film.

During the event-filled week, you and your friends can take a 27-mile jet ski tour from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, snorkel the gin-clear Keys waters with the boys on Key West’s Blu Q snorkel, kayak, and island adventures (complete with lunch), and enjoy moonlight tea dance sailing and pool parties. Don’t forget the happy hours at Big Ruby’s and Alexander’s Guesthouse, where you can socialize and tour the properties.

Be sure to take a look at the Key West Pride website to plan your days when you’re here for our Pride. Imagine … a 5-day Pride event on 2-mile by 4-mile Key West, lying closer to Cuba than to Miami. There’s no better place to celebrate — so don’t miss the fun!

The Western Union, shown here sailing in Key West Harbor, will shortly become Florida's official flagship. (Photo by Bert Budde, Florida Keys News Bureau)

The magnificent schooner is a tangible reminder of the Florida Keys’ rich, colorful maritime heritage — and its recent history demonstrates the island’s dedication to preserving and honoring that heritage.

Launched in 1939, the 130-foot Western Union is the last surviving example of a traditional American coasting schooner. It served the Western Union Telegraph Co. for 35 years as a cable-laying and maintenance vessel — and it’s believed to be the world’s only surviving sailing cable ship.

In 1997, Key West’s Historic Tours of America acquired the Western Union and began operating it for day and sunset sails and charters. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it came to be known as the flagship of Key West.

Years later, after consistently losing money on the schooner, Historic Tours was forced to put it up for sale. Interest reportedly came from groups in Tampa and the Cayman Islands, but potential buyers wouldn’t guarantee that they’d keep the Western Union in Key West.

The Western Union underwent repairs in a Miami shipyard before returning home to Key West. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

That was definitely not okay with island residents, who understand and value Key West’s renegade maritime past. So a grassroots foundation was formed to preserve the Western Union and keep it home-ported where it belonged — and Historic Tours’ owner Ed Swift promptly donated the vessel on the condition that the foundation do just that.

Under the auspices of the Schooner Western Union Preservation Society, the venerable vessel underwent a $1.25 million restoration project that took more than three years. In April 2011, a gala re-launching ceremony was held at Key West’s Historic Seaport.

Mayor Craig Cates, whose family has a personal connection with the Western Union, presided over the ceremonies.

“Our maritime history runs deep in Key West, so this is a special day for us — and especially for my family, since my grandfather worked on the vessel,” said the mayor.

Just over a year after that auspicious day, the Schooner Western Union Preservation Society received wonderful news from the office of Florida Governor Rick Scott. On April 27, the governor signed a bill making the stately schooner the flagship of the entire state.

Captain Lenn Verreau (left,) steers the Western Union off Key West. (Photo by Bert Budde, Florida Keys News Bureau)

“The Western Union is the last remaining working coastal sailing vessel from Florida’s great maritime history,” stated Bill Barry, president and chairman of the society. “This designation is a great honor for the ship, the people who have supported it, and the Florida Keys & Key West.”

The bill, which previously passed unanimously in Florida’s Senate and House, will take effect July 1.

These days, visitors can see the Western Union anchored in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Better yet, they can set sail on the soon-to-be state flagship for a breathtaking sunset excursion or stargazer cruise … and, on the water surrounding the island city, celebrate the historic schooner and the community that kept it where it belongs.

Marine life artist Wyland takes a break after putting finishing touches on his 7,500-square-foot marine life mural in Key Largo. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Once you leave the mainland, almost before you know it you’re in Key Largo, world-famous as a dive paradise. One of the first things you’ll spot is a colorful marine life mural wrapping around all four sides of a building at mile marker 99.2.

This massive “Whaling Wall” mural is one of 100 that artist Wyland, an Upper Keys resident, has painted in the United States and around the world. (He has also painted walls in Marathon and Key West). An avid conservationist, Wyland often invites kids to participate in his mural paintings, giving them lessons in art while educating them about our oceans and their inhabitants.

As part of Wyland’s Keys public relations team, I was on site during his week of painting. I saw crowds gather every day to watch as Wyland transformed a nondescript building at the entrance to the Florida Keys into a glimpse of the wonders of the underwater world.

The African Queen is the original vessel from director John Huston's classic 1951 film by the same name. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Sea turtles, dolphins, manatees and fish were brought to life by the talented artist. Seeing the look of wonder on onlookers’ faces as Wyland grinned down at them from his scaffolding is an experience I’ll never forget.

Once you’ve seen the mural, you’re likely to be hooked. The waters off the Florida Keys beckon and you want to immerse yourself in the underwater experience.

But before you leave Key Largo, take a trip above the water’s surface on the restored African Queen for a journey into history.

Some of us older seniors will remember the film, “The African Queen,” with Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, but the vessel that appeared in the film has a much larger history than her role on the silver screen.

Stephen Bogart, son of actor Humphrey Bogart, steers the original African Queen in Key Largo waters. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

She was built in the United Kingdom in 1912. The British East Africa Rail Company used her as a cargo and passenger ship in Africa until 1968, and later she was a passenger boat in the U.S. for a time. In 1983 she began taking visitors for rides in Key Largo, but eventually fell into disrepair.

Recently, however, the African Queen was completely restored to her appearance in the iconic film and is now a national historic site. In April 2012, this famous vessel was re-launched for cruises, leaving from the Holiday Inn Key Largo. You will savor the experience of traveling on her — available nowhere else in the world.

A little farther down the Keys’ famed Overseas Highway, you’ll get your chance to slip into the water when you stop at Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea, the second oldest marine mammal facility in the world. Open since 1946, this unique facility is home to many species of marine life and has attracted visitors from around the globe.

Marine life and lively parrots intrigue young visitors to Islamorada's Theater of the Sea.

Here dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions occupy several lagoons, all frolicking in the salt water pumped in from the Atlantic. Here too, visitors can swim with any one of the three species, a fascinating water adventure for kids and adults alike.

As a SENIOR senior citizen, I admit I haven’t done this (yet), but family members have swum with rays and dolphins and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even kids as young as three years old can wade with the dolphins when accompanied by an adult, so share the experience with your kids or grandkids.

Theater of the Sea also offers attractions including parrot shows, marine shows, guided marine life tours and a four-hour Adventure and Snorkel Cruise in the waters of Florida Bay and the Atlantic.

In case you haven’t realized it by now, the laid-back yet lively Florida Keys offer enough to see and do to fill your days with fun and wonder. I’ve been here for more than 20 years, and I STILL haven’t experienced everything!

Dragons, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture, can be spotted in Marathon each May. (Photo courtesy of John Duke, Florida Keys Dragon Boat Club)

For Harry and his friends, dragons are dangerous opponents, to be outwitted and defeated and, above all, feared.

Dragons also loom large in Chinese legend. During the fourth century B.C. and the Ch’u dynasty in China, the emperor’s personal advisor Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Mi Lo River in defiance of the ruler’s corrupt and indulgent lifestyle. And that’s where the dragons came in.

Local fishermen, desperate to keep the river’s water dragons and fish from consuming Qu Yuan’s earthly body, beat drums and splashed the water with their boats’ paddles.

Which brings us to Marathon, a place where dragons have a far friendlier reputation. Instead of enemies, they’re actually “teammates” in a lively sport called dragon boat racing.

The modern dragon boat race pays tribute to the ancient fishermen’s courage by re-enacting their race to save Qu Yuan. And in Marathon’s “Battle in the Bay” challenge this year, you’ll find almost two dozen sleek, graceful dragon-headed boats whose teams will vie to propel them through the water faster than their competitors.

Dragon boat teams launch their colorful craft from Marathon's Sombrero Beach.

One of the world’s fastest-growing water sports, dragon boat racing involves 20 paddlers moving in unison in each vessel — in a breathtaking combination of strength, teamwork and synchronized competitive spirit. Teams can be made up of men, women, or both, and anyone age 14 or older can participate.

Marathon’s Sombrero Beach provides a perfect viewing spot for spectators and a direct-from-the-beach launch for the 40-foot-long race boats, whose elaborate dragon designs originated in ancient China.

Dragons, by the way, are also strong and powerful symbol of spring rains and growth in Chinese culture — and according to the Chinese astrology calendar, this just happens to be the year of the water dragon.

Strength and teamwork are required to succeed in a fast-paced dragon boat challenge.

It’s certainly the year for dragon boat racing in Marathon waters! More than 20 races are scheduled Saturday, May 12, becoming progressively more competitive as the slower teams fall by the wayside.

Notable entrants in the Marathon event include a senior team from Florida’s west coast named the Draggin’ Dragons, previous champions the Tampa Tarpons, and a team representing the Florida Keys’ colorful Conch Republic Navy. One of the hands-down favorites is Save Our Sisters, a team of Miami breast cancer survivors and supporters who regularly participate in a countrywide dragon-boat race circuit.

The entire racing event has a strong ethic of benefiting charities, including the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.

The on-the-water action begins at 9 a.m. May 12, but there are plenty of land-based attractions too. For example, spectators can enjoy food and beverages, check out vendors selling items like kites and racewear in an Athletes’ Village, and view amazing performances by the troupe Fusho Daiko, masters of the 2,600-year-old art of Japanese taiko drumming.

In fact, chances are even Harry Potter and his friends would be enthralled with this dragon-filled challenge.

The Key West Songwriter's Festival brings scores of hit songwriters to perform in intimate Key West settings each year. (Photo courtesy of the Key West Songwriter's Festival)

Now in its 17th year, this is largest festival of its kind in the world. Since 1997, music giant BMI has been a major sponsor, along with assistance from the Florida Keys tourism council.

This five-day festival features some two dozen shows staged across the island. More than 100 top songwriters will entertain at venues from local watering holes to oceanfront resorts — capped by a free concert in the 200 block of Duval Street.

There’s still time to drive down the Overseas Highway this week and join in the festival. And put the event on your getaway schedule for 2013, because it gets better each year!

Have you ever thought of trading houses with total strangers for a vacation? I have friends who have done this several times and had great experiences.

What if a simple exchange of homes led to the discovery of a murder plot? That's the question behind a new play at the Waterfront Playhouse this month.

But what if you exchanged your house and, when you settled into your new digs, you began to fear you’d discovered a murder plot? What would you do???

That’s the premise of “Home Exchange,” a world-premiere production now running at Key West’s Waterfront Playhouse. Enjoy an evening at this suspenseful comedy written by Hy Conrad, writer for the Emmy-winning TV series “Monk” and “White Collar.”

If you’re a paddleboard enthusiast, come to Key West for the annual 12-mile elite race around the island held on May 12. (Those who find 12 miles a bit daunting can join in a 4-mile open race.)  Where else in the world can you paddle past historic Civil War forts and stately hotels and homes, and cross from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean? This diverse sea-to-sea adventure is open to all paddlers.

After you rest up from the race, take in the newest musical at the Red Barn Theatre. “Finito: the Dream is Real” combines comedy, variety and burlesque into an uproarious night of song and dance. The acclaimed Key West Burlesque troupe will entertain you during this short 12-night run.

Blog author Steve Smith gets ready for a jam-packed month of events in Key West.

If you haven’t been to the Red Barn Theatre, it actually is a red barn with only 65 or so seats — so intimate that you almost feel like you’re on stage during the performances!

When I first went to the Barn, there was no air-conditioning. Now it‘s climate controlled, with outstanding lighting and libations available both before the show and during the intermission. Treat yourself to a memorable evening at this tiny theater!

Finally, Key West Pride is rapidly approaching on the island (check our fun commercial airing all over Florida!). Make your plans to be a part of the annual Pride event that sweeps across town starting June 6.  Emmy-winning actor Leslie Jordan will be here with his new one-man show, and you’ll have the chance to meet Erin Davies with her inspiring “Fagbug.”

A victim of a hate crime for sporting a rainbow sticker on her VW Beetle, Erin embraced what happened and left the graffiti on her car. She then took her “Bug” on a 58-day trip around the United States and Canada. Her documentary will screen during Key West Pride, followed by a question-and-answer session.

More on Key West Pride next time!

The legendary Sloppy Joe's is celebrating 75 years at its landmark home at the corner of Duval and Greene streets in Key West. (Photo courtesy of Sloppy Joe's Bar)

The story of how it got there — and its significance in Hemingway’s life — is as intriguing as the plot of one of the legendary author’s short stories. And while we’ve explored Sloppy Joe’s history before in Keys Voices, the momentous anniversary makes it well worth recounting again.

FYI, the bar itself is older than 75 years. It first opened its doors at a previous location, on the day Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

Key West being a bastion of free-thinkers even in the 30s, Prohibition had been regarded as an amusing exercise dreamed up by the government — and Joe Russell was just one of the enterprising individuals who operated illegal speakeasies. Even Hemingway slipped over to Russell’s on occasion to buy illicit bottles of Scotch, and the two struck up an enduring friendship.

Sloppy Joe's logo bears a familiar face -- and rightly so. (Image courtesy of Sloppy Joe's Bar)

Joe Russell was a charterboat captain, rumrunner, Hemingway’s boat pilot, and the author’s fishing companion for 12 years. Ernest called him “Josie Grunts” and used him as the model for a character in his classic novel “To Have and Have Not.”

(Hemingway has been credited with suggesting that Joe Russell call his bar Sloppy Joe’s — a name adopted from a favorite bar in Havana.)

In its early days, Sloppy Joe’s was located on Greene Street, offering attractions that included gambling and pool tables in the rear. “Big” Skinner, a hearty black bartender who weighed about 300 pounds, served Sloppy’s customers for 20-some years.

Hemingway and his “Mob” of cohorts were enthusiastic regular customers. The “Mob” was a blend of American literary giants and local residents who wrangled, drank, and philosophized at the bar, never knowing they were building a legend.

Could this be Ernest Hemingway outside Sloppy Joe's with his longtime Key West sparring partner Shine Forbes? (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Sloppy Joe’s migrated down the street to its current location on May 5, 1937, after Joe Russell’s landlord raised his rent from three dollars a week to a whopping four. Luckily, the former Victoria Restaurant at the corner of Duval and Greene streets was vacant. Built in 1917, the Victoria incorporated beautiful Cuban tilework, ceiling fans, and jalousie doors. Joe Russell quietly bought it for $2,500.

Oddly enough, the bar never actually closed during the move. Customers just picked up their drinks and carried them, along with everything else in the place, over to the new location. Service resumed with barely a blink.

When Hemingway left Key West in 1939, he left a number of belongings stored in a house next to Sloppy Joe’s. After the house was sold, his things were moved into a back room at Sloppy’s. There they remained until after his death, when his widow Mary claimed them.

Finalists in the 2011 Look-Alike Contest dance to the Village People's "YMCA" at -- where else? -- Sloppy Joe's! (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Since then Sloppy Joe’s, like a rare Cuban rum, has gained richness and flavor while essentially remaining unchanged. In 1981, it was the birthplace of Key West’s Hemingway Days celebration honoring the author who helped make it famous.

Today, visitors and Hemingway aficionados — including 125 to 150 “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest entrants every year — still flock to Sloppy Joe’s, drawn by the legend and hoping some measure of magic will rub off on them. And it usually does.

The 75th anniversary will feature a birthday cake presented by two previous Look-Alike Contest winners, great live music and a party characteristic of the world-renowned bar.

Happy 75th, Sloppy Joe’s — from all of us who’ve ever enjoyed cocktails and companionship within your welcoming walls.

Marathon's name supposedly comes from a complaint made by railroad workers building the Old Seven Mile Bridge (right). (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Recognized as the boating destination of the Keys, Marathon is made up of a colorful group of small islands named Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl and Little Crawl keys — plus East and West Sister’s Island, Deer and Fat Deer keys, Long Pine and Grassy keys.

The area of Marathon itself got its name from workers constructing the monumental Over-Sea Railroad from mainland Florida throughout the Keys in the early 1900s. Laboring night and day to meet the grueling construction schedule, workers reputedly complained, “This is getting to be a real Marathon!”

Speaking of names, consider the monikers of some area eateries — like the Stuffed Pig and the Barracuda Grill — as well as dive shops like Captain Hook’s, Daffy Doug’s exuberant retail emporium, and fishing charterboats like Captain Dave Schugar’s Sweet E’Nuf. They’re all great examples of the fun-loving spirit that characterizes the Marathon area.

Marathon's lively Stuffed Pig has a colorful name and a loyal following for its food and atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of the Stuffed Pig)

These days, however, Marathon is focused on street names — looking to the past for the original appellations that contributed to the region’s rich heritage and character. Here, in an article in the Keynoter newspaper, Keys writer Ryan McCarthy explains why the old is new again on the street signs of Marathon.

Not many Marathon residents could tell you if they live on Tipton Lane, Vaca Road, Pearce Street or any number of other thoroughfares throughout the city.

Those and many other Middle Keys road names were changed many years ago in favor of a numbered system — Tipton is now 46th Street, Vaca Road is 50th Street and Pearce Street is 50th Court.

But the city of Marathon is embracing its history as it replaces out-of-date signs throughout the city. At the bottom of each sign, in small lettering, is the official name of each road as long-time residents might remember it.

Many of Marathon's street signs now include the thoroughfares' original names, recalling the area's rich history. (Photo courtesy of the Florida Keys Keynoter)

One of those residents, Mike Puto, remembers that time well. He said putting the original street names on each sign is a nice touch.

“My hat’s off to whoever came through with it. It’s kind of neat to have that; it brings in the history of the area,” he said.

Puto said he remembers when streets all over the city — then in unincorporated Monroe County — were named after founding families. That includes the Putos, Sadowskis and Schmitts. Sylvia Avenue, named after Puto’s mother, still exists off 107th Street.

“You gotta love it,” he said. “That’s how the town was back then.”

City Planning Director George Garrett said landowners years ago named their own streets.

Marathon's modern-day landmarks include the acclaimed Turtle Hospital, where sea turtles find help and healing. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

“All of these streets have names that come with their original plats and actually, we’ve got a list of the street names and I’ve gone back through for the purposes of doing my GIS maps,” he said.

Garrett said most of the plats were established in the late 1950s and ’60s.

“I think it was a way of getting a historic feel and it kind of personalizes the city. Numbered streets are impersonal to a certain degree,” he said.

Garrett said street-sign standards have changed over the years, such as a federal requirement to use reflective paint on them.

“Regardless, the [City Council] had expressed an interest in changing them out. They want a consistent look and appearance,” he said.

However, don’t think about using the old street names to send mail: The U.S. Postal Service doesn’t have those names in its database.

A wacky race of decorated beds is part of the Conch Republic celebrations each spring. (Photo by Rob O'Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Instead, there are special events all summer long. We still take a holiday or two and have company, but we save plenty of time to enjoy the fun things our island city offers.

For example, this coming weekend begins the 30th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration. If you plan to visit between April 20 and April 29, be sure to review the schedule of events and take part in our over-the-top celebration of the Florida Keys’ independent, irreverent nature.

And did you know Key West has its own version of American Idol? It’s called Aqua Idol, and its current “season” benefits the Key West Business Guild. Every Tuesday we gather at the landmark Aqua from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as talented local singers battle it out on the stage.

Currently six people remain in the competition, and there are three more weeks of fun before the winner is announced. Stop in and see some fine local singing talent, throw a buck or two in the tip buckets, and support your favorite star or star-to-be!

Key West's Pride celebrations are a highlight of the island's summer season. (Photo courtesy of the Key West Business Guild)

Recently travel writer Troy Petenbrink gave a shout-out to Key West’s summer events and to our fun new summer video. “Key West is Contagious” screamed the headline of Washington DC’s MetroWeekly column “Elsewhere —Travel with a Twist.”

Check it out — you may see some friends, or even your own picture, in this short piece. Troy’s article also contains web links to Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, and Womenfest that will be useful when you plan your next visit.

Speaking of the Key West Business Guild, the organization is approaching its 35th year. From its inception, the guild’s mission was to promote Key West and its gay and allied businesses. Many local events were started by the guild and then passed to other non-profit organizations to operate and benefit from. These days, the guild produces Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, Womenfest and — for 30 years — the Fantasy Fest Headdress Ball, which will be held this year on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

On Key West's gay trolley tour, passengers learn about the island city's LGBT sites, history and highlights.

Recently I worked with the American Airlines public relations department and a film crew as they shot video for Key West’s Milestone video. Milestone videos are available on the AA.com website and are promoted to more than 60 million members of the Aadvantage frequent flyer program.

The Key West video showcases some favorite things to do on the island and in the other Florida Keys. Watching it encourages viewers to take a tour of writer Ernest Hemingway’s home, travel on the gay trolley tour past Pulitzer Prize winner Tennessee Williams’ home, experience deep-sea fishing offshore, visit historic Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park, and meet some friendly dolphins at Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key.

So if you find yourself craving a Keys or Key West vacation this summer, don’t try to resist. Simply surrender, make your travel plans, and look for me when you get here.

For 30 years, the flag of the Conch Republic has flown proudly in the Florida Keys.

It all started in 1982. Hoping to confiscate drugs and apprehend illegal immigrants, the Border Patrol set up a roadblock at the junction of the Keys and the Florida mainland, where agents inspected the trunks and glove compartments of every car leaving the island chain. (Just how many illegal immigrants could be stuffed into a glove compartment has not yet been determined!)

The resulting traffic jam at the upper end of the Florida Keys was humongous — stretching through Key Largo some 14 miles from the checkpoint itself. Naturally, that had a negative effect on tourism, seriously affecting local businesses. And unfortunately, five days of arguing the legality and practicality of such a checkpoint with the federales brought the Keys powers-that-be no closer to a solution.

What do to? Business and civic leaders pondered the problem until Stuart Newman, then 60 years old and head of the public relations agency that represented the Keys, had an inspiration. He recalled that during the Civil War, after Florida seceded from the Union to become a Confederate state, Key West seceded from Florida to become a Union stronghold.

Stuart Newman, one of the Conch Republic's founders, later discovered a Conch Republic-like nation in faraway New Zealand.

With that in mind, he suggested that the Keys secede from the United States. His suggestion led to the formation of the independent Conch Republic.

Civic leaders hurriedly made plans — and on April 23, 1982, a formal secession ceremony was held in Key West, the county seat. In quick succession ambassadors were appointed, a cabinet was named, and passports were issued. Wilhelmina Harvey, a beloved grande dame who was then 70 years old and mayor of the Keys’ Monroe County, was appointed Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy.

Just moments after seceding, the brand-new republic declared war on the United States and a battle ensued, with stale Cuban bread as the weapon of choice. After fighting for approximately 60 seconds, the Conch Republic surrendered and demanded a billion dollars in foreign aid.

The result? The republic received no foreign aid, but not long afterward the Border Patrol itself “surrendered.” The blockade was quietly removed, and business as usual (or UNusual) resumed.

In 1982, hundreds gathered to watch the historic secession ceremony and birth of the independent Conch Republic.

But every year since that historic day in 1982, the Conch Republic has celebrated its victory with a Keyswide festival. This month, the 30th anniversary of the original secession, festivities will take place in Key West and Key Largo — with highlights including a Key West re-enactment of the birth of the republic.

Among the planned activities are the so-called “world’s longest parade,” lively parties, an island heritage festival, a world-record attempt at conch shell blowing, a “drag” race and bed race, a high-heel-a-thon, and general merrymaking throughout the Keys. Key West will stage a great naval battle against the “evil” federal forces, while Key Largo will conclude its celebration with the “destruction” of the Jewfish Creek Bridge leading to the mainland.

And why not? Today, many of us who were young at the time of the secession are seniors ourselves. But whether you’re 18 or 80, chances are you’ve felt the urge to “secede” from your everyday life on occasion.

Since even a temporary abdication is good for body and soul, next time that urge strikes, don’t fight it. Simply pack a bag and head for the place that made a success of secession — the glorious Conch Republic.