The Florida Keys are a unique chain of small and not-so-small islands and mangrove clusters stretching southwestward from the bottom tip of mainland Florida over 100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The City of Key West is the most populated and best known of all the Keys in Monroe County.
Key West, a four mile by approximately two mile island, is 159 miles southwest of Miami, 90 miles north of Cuba and 755 miles further south than Los Angeles. Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico border Key West. The population is approximately 25,000 permanent residents.
The Keys are linked to the mainland by the Overseas Highway (US 1) over 43 bridges from Florida City to Key West. The mile marker system starts with MM126 at Florida City (south of Miami) and ends with MM Zero at the corner of Fleming and Whitehead Streets in Old Town Key West. Key West is actually located much closer to Caribbean islands than to mainland Florida. It’s the southernmost tip of land in the contiguous United States and the last and most exciting of the Florida Keys.
SO, WHAT’S A CONCH?
We speak of Conch food, Conch houses, Conch talk, the beautiful Conch shell, and conch as in seafood (fritters, meat) as well.
The word “conch” (pronounced KONK) also refers to a native of Key West, someone born on the island. An old Conch may never have left the island of Key West. Some believe that the name originated with the migration of Bahamians to the Keys who were “Conchs;” others think it came from the tradition of placing a Conch shell on a stick in the yard to announce another birth had taken place on the island. No matter, a “Conch is a Conch” and only those born on the island are true Conchs. New residents to the island are called Key Westers.
KEY WEST-OLD TOWN AND NEW TOWN
Key West’s Old Town has many small shops, restaurants, galleries, nightclubs, bars, specialty shops and a smattering of chain stores.
In New Town (on the Eastern side of the island) there are currently three shopping plazas: Searstown, hosting Sears and Publix; Key Plaza, home to K-Mart, OfficeMax and Albertson’s; and the Overseas Market with Winn-Dixie Supermarket, Ross Dress for Less, CVS and Pier One.
CLIMATE
Due to the Gulfstream in the Straits of Florida and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Key West has a subtropical climate. The average temperature is 77.7 degrees with the average possible days of sunshine at 76% of the year.
The average temperature range is 14 degrees between summer and winter. Yearly average rainfall is 40 inches, and the rainy season lasts from June through November, though rainy days in Key West usually consists of downpours followed by sunshine , which is also our hurricane season. 75% of our rainfall occurs during this period.
HURRICANES
Monroe County has seven evacuation zones and seven shelters. Once you have moved to an area in the Keys, locate your closest shelter. For information listen to local cable TV Channel 5, National Weather Service, or call Monroe Emergency Management 1-800-427-8340.
DAILY NEWSPAPERS
Key West Citizen Daily 294-6641
Miami Herald Daily 294-4683
TRANSPORTATION
City Bus Service 294-3721
County Transportation 294-8468
Greyhound Bus Company 296-9072
Key West International Airport 296-5439
FISHING INFORMATION
A State license is required for fishing. A Florida resident may saltwater fish from land without a license, but must have a saltwater license when fishing from a boat. Under the age of 16 or over 65 no license is required except a person over 65 must obtain a permit.; this permit is free of charge. Licenses are available from the Tax Collector’s office, 1200 Truman Avenue, or substations ranging from bait shops to discount stores. The phone number is (305) 294-4857 or the Florida Marine Patrol at (305) 289-2320 or 1-800-341-5367.
Registration is required on all boats with motors regardless of size. A valid out-of-state registration is good for up to 90 days. Registration is handled through the Tax Collector’s office at 1200 Truman Avenue. Call (305) 294-8403.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
There are many social, civic, educational and arts organizations to choose from in Monroe County. If you are interested in joining one of these clubs, or in creating a new one, inquire at the Key West Chamber of Commerce 294-2587.