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Pictures of Key West, the Conch Republic

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Pictures of Key West, Key West Information, and Key West Gifts

Pictures of Key West are pictures of a very special place! Key West, capital of the Conch Republic,is full of fun, friendly, and quirky people, places, and things.

Whether you're cruising to Key West for a day, or driving down for a longer visit, you're sure to enjoy these pictures of Key West, a story about the Conch Republic, Key West gift ideas, and fun facts about Key West. For my competitive spirited visitors, there's even a Key West Quiz near the end.

View of the Green Parrot Bar in Key West
(photo- my own, all rights reserved)

Even if getting to Key West is still on your bucket list, this page is sure to interest you... I'll even show you the famous Seven Mile Bridge on the Overseas Highway and introduce you to some Key Deer (an endangered species) along the way through the Florida Keys enroute to Key West.

First, you enjoy some wonderful pictures of Key West, and vote for your favorite. Then, all the other things I mentioned, and more, are in store for you here.

Page created 12/18/11
Last updated 06/02/12

Have You Been to Key West?

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Key West Sunset

Canvas Print

Life in Key West is different than any place else on earth. It's laid back and decidely quirky. Folks there really LIVE life, party like crazy (really, really crazy sometimes) and celebrate things some of us simply take for granted.

One thing that is celebrated on a regular basis in this southernmost city is the sunset. And sunsets in Key West really are something to celebrate. Here's a picture of a Key West Sunset.

Key West Sunset Canvas Print print
Key West Sunset Canvas Print
by nationalpark_t_shirt



Yes, Key West is famous, famous, famous for its fabulous sunsets. In Key West, sunset is not just the transition from afternoon to evening, it's an event!

NOTE:
This canvas print from Zazzle is also available as a standard poster. Just click on the image to check on pricing, available sizes, and framing options. The Key West pictures tht follow are also from Zazzle, so you can click on any of them for more details, too.

Images of Key West for Your Wall

Pictures of Key West on Posters and Canvas

After looking at these pictures of Key West, you can vote for the one you liked best.



Key West Tightrope Walker print
Key West Tightrope Walker
by mogulpainting




Key-West-Florida-Travel-Poster print
Key-West-Florida-Travel-Poster
by longdistgramma




Life's a beach print
Life's a beach
by bonneseyesfineart




Streets Of Key West print
Streets Of Key West
by nationalpark_t_shirt




Sailing - Key West print
Sailing - Key West
by stephjmort




The many views of Key West print
The many views of Key West
by mike_krebs




Monroe Cafe, Key West, 1930s print
Monroe Cafe, Key West, 1930s
by Photoblog




Key West Florida Poster Print print
Key West Florida Poster Print
by lovelyarts




signs print
signs
by waters62




Key West Sunset print
Key West Sunset
by Nullality




Only in the Keys print
Only in the Keys
by Skywagon

VOTE for Your Favorite Picture of Key West

( a poll - just for fun)

I'm a bit partial to the vintage Key West posters. Which do you like best?

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Getting to Key West

FLYING TO KEY WEST
There are reguar flights to Key West International Airport from Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. There are also some flights from Atlanta.

CRUISING TO KEY WEST
Several major cruise lines will happily bring you for a day to Key West, during which you can see if you'd like to return for a longer visit.

Key West - Blank Greeting Card card
Key West - Blank Greeting Card by theresasheridan



Bahamas cruises may include Key West along with Nassau or Freeport, and perhaps a stop at a private island. Caribbean Cruises may call at Key West on their way to points south and west, like Cozumel and Jamaica, for example.

DRIVING TO KEY WEST
Of course, you can choose the option of driving to Key West, too. More about that later.

Key West Gifts

Custom Electronics Cases and Speakers with a Key West Flavor

Everyone has portable electronics these days. If you or a friend really like Key West, then these an iPhone case, a laptop sleeve or a personal speaker with images of Key West on them would be something really special to carry along wherever you go.
Key West Sign Post speckcase Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys, Key doodle Key West electronicsbag

LEFT: Key West Sign Post iPhone case by aura2000
CENTER: Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys, Key travel speaker by danitadelimont
RIGHT: Key Westlaptop sleeve by aura2000

The Blue Heaven Restaurant

Fun Times and Good Eats in Key West

Key West is all about casual living, fun times, and good eats. The city is chocked-full of unique places and experiences. One of those unique places is a restaurant called Blue Heaven.

Blue Heaven print
Blue Heaven by DonnaSK


Fun Times and Good Eats at a most unique Key West Restaurant - Blue Heaven.
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Key West Mugs

yep - more Key West Themed Gift Ideas

Historic Key West mug Key West Diamond mug Sloppy Joe's mug
LEFT:Historic Key West by paul68
CENTER: Key West Diamond by NativeSon01
RIGHT: Sloppy Joe's by aura2000

Conchs

People born in Key West are called CONCHS.

The Story of The Conch Republic

The Florida Keys are a Zany Place, and Key West is the Capital of Zane

type=Conch-Republic-FlagNo doubt, you've heard Key West referred to as the "Conch Republic." Well, here's how that started.

In 1982, the U.S. Border patrol set up a roadblock at Florida City, stopping and searching vehicles forcontraband. Since Florida City is the last mainland city before the beginning of the Keys and the Overseas Highway, this, in effect substantially slowed and reduced land traffic to all of the Keys.

Flag of the Conch Republic, used under cc license


Key West's tourist based economy suffered. The City Council lodged numerous complaints with the federal government, and even filed an injunction attempt. Nothing worked.

Finally, on April 23, Key West declared succession from the United States and declared its independence as The Conch Republic, with Mayor Dennis Wardlow as Prime Minister.

The brand new republic promptly declared war on the United States, and "fired" their one and only salvo of the conflict when they broke a loaf of stale Cuban bread over the head of "someone" in a military uniform.

One minute into the 'hostilities,' the republic surrendered and requested foreign aid in the amount of one billion USD.

IT WORKED!
After the "Succession" and "War,"
the blockade was lifted.

Key West got a whole
lot of press, too!

Key West Goodies

Key West Decor and More

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"Independence Day"

April 23 is
Conch Republic
Independence Day

Magnetic Key West

Collectible Key West Magnets for your fridge or filing cabinet

There's something so compellingly attractive about Key West that it draws peoplel to it like a magnet.

Florida East Coast Railway Key West magnet Key West Florida magnet Key West House 1 Magnet magnet
LEFT: Florida East Coast Railway Key West by mapshoppe
CENTER: Key West Florida by artboook
RIGHT: Key West House 1 Magnet by Cayo_Heuso

Driving to Key West

Across the Overseas Highway

type=Seven-Mile-Bridge-on-the-Overseas-Highway

The Seven Mile Bridge, p.d. photo courtesy National Scenic Byways Online



If you are driving to Key West, you should allow more hours than the number of miles would indicate for normal destinations. On a normal day. the last 128 miles or so could easily take you twice as long to transverse as any other 125 - 200 miles in the state of Florida. That's when you'll be on the Overseas Highway.

Plan on a leisurely trip along the Overseas Highway, because that's probably what it WILL be, whether that's what you have planned or not. Most of the distance is only two lanes, much of it over or between bodies of water. There are a few spots wehere there are places to pass, but not many. And few of the cars in front of you will be in a hurry.

One of the most amazing stretches of this roadway is the "Seven Mile Bridge," which is actually only 6.97 miles long. It connects the Middle Keys and the Lower Keys, and is pictured above.

Overseas Highway Speed

A word to the wise:
Mind the speed limit
(even when you do have a choice)
on the Overseas Highway,
especially on and around
Big Pine Key.

Key Deer - an Endangered Species

You May See Some on Your Way to Key West

type=Key-Deer-on-No-Name-KeyThere have been countless serious and fatal accidents on the Overseas Highway. They're pretty darned serious about enforcing the speed limit all along the way.

Check your speedometer as you approach it Big Pine Key. The 45 mph speed limit is VERY strictly enforced there. That's during the daytime. At night, it's 35 mph.

Why?
Key Deer, an endangered species found only in part of the Florida Keys. They tend to wander into the roadway, so watch out for them!

Key Deer on No Name Key
cc photo by Averette at en.wikipedia


Today, there are fewer than 800 Key Deer left, and some estimates are as low as 300. Some 30 to 40 of these animals are run over by cars each year, especially on Big Pine Key and No Name Key, where they are most abundant.

Key Deer mousepad
Key Deer
by animalpark

Add a Touch of Key West to Your Decor

Key West 2012 calendar TropicalKey West Sunset Tile tile Key West giftbox

LEFT: Key West 2012 by LocalColor
CENTER: TropicalKey West Sunset Tile by Susang6
RIGHT: Key West by Snowpeaceful

Fun Facts About Key West

type=where-is-Key-West Key West is the Southernmost city in the continential United States. But Florida is NOT the southernmost state in the United States. That distinction belongs to Hawaii.

Key West is actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami.

Fort Zachary Taylor saw action in the Civil War (on the union side), the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.

Nine Pulitzer Prize winners have lived in Key West, including Ernest Hemingway, whose home you can tour today.

The Key West Coral Reef is 160 miles long - the third largest in the world and the largest in the United States.

Beach sand is NOT naturally occuring in Key West. The sand on the beaches there was all brought in from the Caribbean.

Approximate distances to Key West from other cities in Florida:

FROM MIAMI: 160 miles
FROM TAMPA: 420 miles
FROM ORLANDO: 395 miles
FROM JACKSONVILLE: 500 miles
FROM PENSACOLA: 830 miles

Key West Underwater Video

When you go to Key West, don't forget your dive or snorkel gear. As you learned in 'Facts About Key West,' it's home to the largest barrier reef in the United States, and the underwater views are amazing!

In case you can't get there this week, here's some underwater video to tide you over.

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Key West Clothing and Accessories

Images of Key West on Everyday Items

MeddockPhoto_NeckTie_Art tie KEY WEST SPAGHETTI TOP shirt Namedrop Nation_Key West multi-colored embroideredhat
LEFT: MeddockPhoto_NeckTie_Art by meddock
CENTER: KEY WEST SPAGHETTI TOP by Baysideimages
RIGHT: Namedrop Nation_Key West multi-colored by FUNauticals

Key West Beach Souvenir necklace Key West Florida Sunset speckcase Key West bag

LEFT: Key West Beach Souvenir by nationalpark_t_shirt
CENTER: Key West Florida Sunset iPad case by michaelcreese
RIGHT: Key West by jds_99

More Fun Gifts for Key West Fans

These are from CafePress

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How's the Weather in Key West Right Now?

THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW IN KEY WEST:
Find more about Weather in Key West, FL
Click for weather forecast



ANNUAL WEATHER
Average Temperature: about 73 - 83 degrees F.
Average Annual Rainfall: 38 - 39". The wet season is May - October, with August and September being the rainiest months

Bid on Some Memories of Key West

See what Kkey West Souvenirs and Memorabilia are up for auction today on eBay:

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Planning a Trip to Key West? (a poll)

Mark the date on your Key West Calendar

Are you planning on or thinking of visiting the Conch Republic in the next year? If you are, maybe you'd like a Key West calender, so you can mark the dates.
In any event, maybe you'll be kind enough to answer this poll about your plans

Key West Photo Calendar calendar
Key West Photo Calendar
by aura2000

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Something Cool to do in Key West

Need a suggestion for something cool to do in Key West?
Here it is!

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and meet the Polydactyl Cats there.

Key West Quiz

The Guestbook is: OPEN

Key West, Florida postcard
Key West, Florida
by cattilovebugg



Please take a moment to say hello, and perhaps share your thoughts about Key West

  • Auntie-M May 12, 2012 @ 3:17 pm | delete
    I lived in Tampa a couple of years, but didn't make it to Key West. I love your deer - they are so lovely.
  • karmicchristian Apr 25, 2012 @ 12:43 pm | delete
    Looks like I have finally found the 'key' to the West! :)
    Brilliant - That is the only (best) way I enjoy my armchair cruises!
  • JaguarJulie Apr 16, 2012 @ 9:13 am | delete
    I love Key West! My mom used to live on Big Pine Key ... and I spent a little time there in the late 80s. Got to work on Boca Chica and Key West. Doesn't get any better than this! I enjoy the history.
  • mjtaylor Mar 12, 2012 @ 9:28 am | delete
    So many great images!
  • Zut_Moon Mar 8, 2012 @ 5:20 pm | delete
    Happy International Women's Day!!!
  • gottaloveit Mar 8, 2012 @ 8:46 am | delete
    I'm heading down to Paradise (Key West!) for 6 weeks as part of my renewal after the death of my Mom whom I cared for the past 5 years. Taking 2 dogs and doing lots of walking. Blessed!
  • SayGuddaycom Jan 10, 2012 @ 6:25 pm | delete
    I think this might be my favorite lens of yours.
  • WriterJanis Jan 9, 2012 @ 3:10 am | delete
    You have such wonderful images. Well done!
  • SquidooPower Jan 2, 2012 @ 1:54 pm | delete
    i LOVE the Keys! So many great images on this page too, thnx for sharing.
  • GayleMcLaughlin Dec 28, 2011 @ 12:10 pm | delete
    We stayed in the Marathon Key and drove down to Key West. I want to go back. It was beautiful and quirky. Thanks for this article!
  • CruiseReady Dec 30, 2011 @ 6:19 am | delete
    I don't think you are alone at all! When I hear people say they have been to Key West, they almost always say, "And I want to go back."
  • VillaDejaBlue Dec 26, 2011 @ 11:02 pm | delete
    Nice link
  • cffutah Dec 23, 2011 @ 7:25 pm | delete
    great tribute you've done here, enjoyed my visit on your lens tonight, thank you!
  • Tipi Dec 22, 2011 @ 9:04 am | delete
    You sure do manage to give the itch to travel and I would go under the speed limit to protect the Key deer...always a joy!
  • WordCustard Dec 20, 2011 @ 5:18 am | delete
    I've never been to Key West but this gave me a taste of this beautiful place. Ah, it would be wonderful to be there right now, soaking up the sunshine. Thanks for sharing your newest lens with me, it was a treat!
  • cruiselinefans Dec 19, 2011 @ 10:00 am | delete
    Such a great place with so much unique history and unbelievably beautiful land and sea scapes. Thanks for posting a great article!
  • nealberk Dec 18, 2011 @ 10:06 pm | delete
    Love Key West. It is very funky and the people are very independent minded. It is very crowded (primarily at night when everyone is partying) but a totally fun place.

    I especially love the art deco everywhere. It takes me back to the Americana of the 50's
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