Photo Courtesy Of Conch Republic
Forty-three years ago, in a moment of classic Key West quirkiness, the island seceded from the United States — sort of.
The symbolic act was prompted by a U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the entrance of the island chain stopping traffic on the only road connecting the Keys to the Florida mainland. The feds were looking for illegal drugs and undocumented migrants, but their actions led to a 19-mile-long traffic jam that had tourists canceling their vacations and hotel reservations rather than sit it out in their cars.
Angered by the action, then-Mayor Dennis Wardlow declared Key West a sovereign nation and renamed it “The Conch Republic.” A Conch Republic flag was raised over city hall and “war” ensued with the Schooner Western Union, under the command of Captain John Kraus, attacking the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Diligence with water balloons, conch fritters and stale Cuban bread. It retaliated with fire hoses.
The act of defiance took place on April 23, 1982, but continues to live on as part of the city’s crazy history and each year there is a celebration to commemorate the event. To this day, you can purchase a Conch Republic passport for a mere $99.95.
This year’s festivities begin April 18 and run through April 25. And if past events are any indication, they should be seven days of revelry capturing the spirit of the island and its residents.
Visit conchrepublic.com