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Where is Key West?
Key West is the last island in a chain of islands extending southwest
of Miami FL that one can drive to. Key West is 159 miles SW of Miami
and 90 miles north of Havana. To get to Key West, upon arriving at
Miami, jump on US1 south, and drive!!! Optionally, you could fly into
Key West International Airport (EYW). It is serviced by Comair:The
Delta Connection, USAir Express, American Eagle, and United Airlines
via Gulfstream International. Key West is further south than Nassau,
Bahamas. (BTW: Key West, FL is at 24.55 N 81.82 W for those with
GPS's).
How big is Key West?
The island is quoted by several sources as being either a 1 mi X 3 mi
island, or 2x4, or 3x5. The differences vary depending on if some
adjacent islands are included, such as Stock Island, Fleming Key, and
Dredgers Key.
What is the population of Key West?
Just as the size of the island changes, so does the population. The
1990 Census listed the population of the City of Key West as 24,832.
The population for the entire Keys (not all of Monroe county) is
listed as 78,024. (Source: Key West Citizen -- Florida Keys Almanac,
August 1994 derived from the 1990 Census).
What is the Conch Republic?
In 1982, the US Border Patrol placed a road block on US1 just before
one crosses over into Key Largo for the purpose of catching drug
traffic, illegal aliens, etc. Traffic jams to and from the Keys built
up in large proportions. Tourism basically died off. Several folks got
together and formed the nation of "The Conch Republic", and seceded
from the Union. The Conch Republic instantly surrendered to the United
States and requested $1 Million in foreign Aid. The publicity stunt
was successful in ending the road blocks. But to not let a good thing
end, the Conch Republic Flag still flies in the skies above the Keys.
Conch Republic passports are also issued.
What is Cayo Hueso?
Cayo Hueso is Spanish for "Island of Bones". When Ponce de Leon first
arrived at Key West, the island was littered with bones from the
Indians who had lived here. The term "Key" is most likely an
Anglicization of Cayo. It isn't clear if "West" is derived from Hueso
(pronounced way-so) or if the term "West" has to do with the
geographical location of Key West.
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