The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise

[@MoniqueE.Rivera1099]

Key West. My ancestral hometown since 1870. My maternal grandfather, José L. Rodríguez (1898-1986), was Hemingway's captain for the Pilar during his Key West years. (My grandfather is the man pictured on the far right at minute 35:23). Thank you for this program!

[@gRosh08]

Cool.

[@СергейОлесик-й2к]

Love..

[@CatJuarez]

I've visited the Keys and never felt so much comfort. Lots of love 💞 You're very fortunate.

[@moniquerivera1099]

@@CatJuarez So kind - thank you!

[@diananutt1517]

🌴❣️I spent only a partial day and evening (a cruise stopover) wandering along (Duvall St.?) where I saw Truman's Southern White House, Hemingway's Home, the home where Robert Frost lived, banyan trees, gorgeous pet iguanas, then on to check out Sloppy Joe's and, of course, to enjoy a Margherita in Margheritaville. That was just the tip of the iceberg, I know, so a return trip is on my bucket list. Next time I will drive down along that famous highway through the Keys! Wish all these fascinating pictures were in a photo album so we could spend more time studying certain ones!! I love reading everyone's comment's about their own personal connection to the Keys! A fantastic documentary.🌴🌴🌴🌅

[@dontegibson6270]

Being a African American woman and finding out that my grandmother was born in key West in 1933 I always loved the state of Florida That's my number one place in the United States if I had any choice to live will be there and now I see why I love that and the ocean so much rest in peace Grandma Love you

[@robertwilkins8357]

I moved there Oct. 6 1976 and I got to see Paradise before new people came in the 90s and it changed sad what has been done to Paradise for ever. I got old there. I am no longer there . All those nice families I met, was the best of my life,. I am 82 now . I photographed before the fools changed it. My memories are priceless.

[@JUNKERS488]

I'm a 5th. Generation Conch and you are 100% correct. They have ruined our island now. It's heart breaking to try and drive around now covered in multi million dollar resort now surround the island blocking out the local sea breeze between that and all the concreate and pavement it just traps the heat in. Thank You for you kind comment the new people don't respect it and removed many of our local fruit trees because "They are Messy" so sad.

[@leanneadams2549]

My dad said the same thing only he said after the 1960’s it went down. I wished he would’ve bought land. He does to !!

[@mikecallahan9993]

i moved to Marathon in 1975 and became a comm fisherman, it was a great place to live and explore. but now in 2023 its sad. it is now been overrun by big business high rents. its so bad that most of the work force is bussed down from the mainland. Paradise has been lost in lieu of the all mighty dollar. After hurricane Irma it just got worse. RIP florida keys

[@hohsmith4723]

Heard that my friend. I was born a Conch, now it breaks my heart everytime I go back. The trash, the shitty people, expensive prices. Hell I used to live on a sailboat and they are even trying to get rid of live aboards down there. I remember the days as a kid we would pay in the middle of US 1, now your lucky if you can cross it on foot! No to mention all the buddies I've lost due to drunk drivers. It's sad af now

[@adamdean8480]

My family has been in this state for over 400 years and lasted because of what Florida offered and it's all getting lost !!!!

[@mannyrodriguez5453]

@@hohsmith4723 My great grandfathers cousin left Cuba to Key West in the 1880's as a cigar factory worker and never left so I have family who are Conch Native. My parents owned a home in Big Pine back in the 70's until 2004, I remember when the waters where blue not aqua as they are today, pollution has done a lot of damage, and then having all these realtors pushing to create more construction and pollution doesn't help. Thanks to the snow birds and their arrogant, rude, snobby, annoying, with a sort of dictatorial attitude.

[@hohsmith4723]

@@mannyrodriguez5453 I wish I could have been alive back then to see how beautiful it really was before it got so crowded. I was born in KW in 89 and lived in Taviner with my parents untill I was 10 we moved away after hurricane Andrew (they got tired of the hurricanes) I ended up moving back down to Islamorada to be a fisherman in my 20's, but right away I could tell it was not like it used to be. I used to sit at the Lorelei and listen to all the old captains talk about the "good old days"! It sure is a paradise lost now... Anyway glad your grandfather's cousin got to experience the true Keys! One of my best friends came from Cuba during the political prisoner release during the missile crisis. His dad had been locked up for speaking out against Castro. I was with them when the world found out Castro died, my guy was in tears he was so happy. Then we had a hell of a party lol. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but your family member was very fortunate to make it over. I've come across a hand full of Cuban rafts (occupied and completely empty) and the level of desperation in their eyes in the occupied ones is hard to forget. And wondering what happened to the crew of an empty raft is just as concerning. Hope you have a great day bro!

[@mannyrodriguez5453]

@@hohsmith4723 Do you still live in the keys. I had a friend who lived on Burgandy Drive in Tavernier key, I remember, when the state ended the canal dredging, he was really happy as well as the rest of the residents. When I was in high school back in 1979, my math teacher, who I got along with well, would always talk about fishing and how the affect of pollution had affected the waters, he would tell me how abundant and how larger the fish were from shore when he was a kid and how he and his dad would fish the Bahamas and even the waters were not the same.

[@robroooal4930]

Driven the highway and spent a week in key west. One of best times of my life.

[@KeyLargoDude]

Hope you can make it back soon! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@RVWeekendsRC1]

Being born in Florida back in 1965, I've been going to the Keys since I can't remember. Old photos of my mom holding me at Bahia Honda, my dad holding his spear guns at the edge of the water. All my 6 siblings still visit the Keys every year to enjoy the water as well as catching our own lobsters. So many fantastic memories over the years as a teenager, till now as a late 50's young man. The Keys are always a paradise and a short drive from central Florida. I love "The Florida Keys"!

[@awolfx7947]

Are there still any places left in the keys that still breathe the same atmosphere as back then?

[@RVWeekendsRC1]

@@awolfx7947 Yes. A place I always feel like the old days is walking trails away from the public access at Bahia near the primitive camping area. I really enjoy standing on the banks of the area past Bahia , the next island where the old bridge used to cross the bay:) I have a playlist featuring the Keys. You may like it. Let me know if you do in the comments:) Thanks 😊

[@leanneadams2549]

@@RVWeekendsRC1you may have meant that other person - but I would ! Your so lucky to have that a part of your past ! I only seen the Keys once but that was enough!! And I live in Jacksonville. Sad huh?!?! And I can’t stand Jacksonville!!! I call it sweaty little Detroit. Lol

[@RVWeekendsRC1]

@@leanneadams2549 kzbin.info/aero/PLtbqVYwbrosIxtf_pk9ic9vPi-V_rqedB&si=bjvHoH7MeDL3pAYo

[@karenokeane6461]

This was an engaging and beautifully edited narrative. Thank you.

[@jimmccandless4307]

Florida Keys! I am 72 now and my Dad bought a motel there in the 1950'a (Grassy Key)! I recall the coconut palms the key limes , and the sight of todays catch rolled up in newspaper !!. Back in those days I recall the swarms of lobster 🦞 darkening the shore line. Everone was so excited ! Conch where everywhere i saw conch thrown up on the shore in heaps ! Smell was awefull. The greed of a few decimated the conch population ! Shameful! Well so many horseshoe crabs seemed to be everywhere. Awesome creatures there where no shortage of. Daytime was the most excellent, as when the sun started to set the mosquitoes where so bad you couldn't see the docks in front of our home ! After late night you could hear the mosquito abatement trucks flooding the skys with pesticide to eradicate the mosquitoes .. Sounded like aircraft crash landing, scared my mother to dearh.. Well our uncle John Hlebo who served on the USS BANG submarine seevice during WwII joined us. WHAT a life, free America wss in those days ! All our Family friends and neighbors where living in Paradise ! Hopefully You and others will have a chance to enjoy GODS Blessings !

[@suzannechance5876]

I remember the mosquito trucks, the palms, the water, the scent of the ocean, and huge sand crabs my cousins used to scare us. It was wonderful. It is gone now. I am 74 and sad to know that most will never see what we did or felt the ambiance of the islands.

[@fjohnson9749]

Yes, Florida back in the day was freedom. Been gone for decades now.

[@KeysTreasures]

Maybe the best video story of 200 years of Florida Keys History.

[@Duschbag]

My wife and I visited Islamorada for the first time in the Mid-80's and fished out of Bud-N-Mary's many times for Bonefish and Tarpon. We we're instantly hooked and fell in love with the Keys. There is only one Keys and I am proud to say I have supported Captains 4 Clean Water a few times. When I learned of what those Guides were working for, I knew I had to donate a few times. I have life long memories of the Keys and my late wife. 💔

[@christinemckinney4093]

Me too, but 70's memories. Revisit on my own now since a widow. Met my husband at the Seven Mile Grill.

[@Duschbag]

@@christinemckinney4093 I'm very sorry for your loss.

[@KeyLargoDude]

The keys are amazing ❤

[@markconner3234]

Those same captains have over fished the shit out of the place

[@williamwojtowicz7231]

​@@KeyLargoDude666

[@bobo-tv4cv]

I shouldn't be surprised at how amazing this Documentary is since being a lifer of PBS programming but I gotta say, Wow. I've lived in the Keys for 35 years and never got this much comprehensive data in one place that was so well composed and enjoyable to watch. Thank you.

[@tingleypresentations1910]

As a 6th generation Conch, all I can say is BRAVO PBS!!! This is an absolutely brilliant presentation of my island home. It was such a joy to see so many friends onscreen, too!

[@HRHPrincessDianaGoodman]

This is the comment I was scrolling for. I wondered as a documentarian if actual residents saw the diversity I do in the finished production. thanks for sharing your feelings!

[@bobwershing3505]

​Yes, I'v spent many ah lazy days in 1960's in keys, living in Homestead. Hunter, Gatherer... Then after my short stint in Vietnam,I soon came back too the world & spent my last, about year N half at NAS Key West, lived st Fort Zac, & did ahlot of skin diving, & took the Magic Mushroom tour there at the beach of Fort Zac (macro dosage not micro) -- it was all the Greatest of Experiences ! ! ! I am A NJ - Hillbilly growing up on Dark Moon Road in A little obscure corner of the Appalachian Valley in NW - Jersey, I'v been in nearly ah dozen different Asian countries,courtesy of the red, white & blue & lived & worked all around these highly divided states of 'merica.... I am in Oregon now, but soon too return too Florida, looking too live up North near Ocala & Gainsville, South Dade can get way way too red necky for me 👎 So there is no doubt in my very poor Freedom infected Mind... That once again, Good Lord Willing, I'll make it back too Key West , , and all the magic ! Maybe for A final Magic Mushroom ride Toooooo 👍😎​@@HRHPrincessDianaGoodman

[@sammythompson3694]

Key West was a grand place in the 70's went back in 87 was still nice. Then I took a road trip recently and was disappointed. The once beautiful town has turned into Little San Francisco.

[@blackhawk7r221]

Definitely more diverse now. Once I put aside my middle aged bias, I began to see the huge influx of styles and culture that they brought to a town that had unfortunately become a tourist trap. Loved it in the 70’s and 80’s. Disgusted by what it had become in the 90’s. They turned it around. Now I can get drunk as F at Sloppy’s or Monkeys, or Hogs and laugh at their silly ass outfits and behavior. And guess what? They are laughing right there back at me over my sandals and old white guy clothes. The hard pill I had to swallow was that the party is where you make it. But we all laugh at the fat fucks that unload when the cruise ships dock.

[@markl753]

Meaning what?

[@sammythompson3694]

Meaning there is too much traffic and the keys between bridges use to be able to camp to fish.

[@awolfx7947]

Are there still any places left in the keys that still breathe the same atmosphere as back then?

[@richiebrahh]

@@awolfx7947islamorada

[@jklynb]

Best Key Lime pie I’ve ever had was homemade in Key West ! I’ll never forget it. Yummy 😋

[@petermyers479]

This opens with a revision to history. The waters weren’t aqua colored when the settlers came here. The waters were a light bright vibrant blue. The aqua color is an artifact of the last forty years. It’s due to the increase in algal content in the water from the infusion of nutrients due to human habitation. Much of the nutrient load actually comes from the Miami Fort Lauderdale area. Longshore drift and Gulf Stream counter currents cause the nutrients to flow south westerly through and along the Keys. I’ve lived here immersed in our history for over thirty years. I saw and dived the blue colored waters before they were a full aqua color.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Do apply a bit of patience to allow me the latitude to express my perception of the value of facts. _________________________________ A truly worth share you have provided, as we can only "believe" in most subject descriptions of History, for the influence of the "Mainstream Academics" and their "19th Century Theory based Paradigm and Linear Timeline", the Theory actually applied as a Fact Foundation, the Paradigm used as a "Tool of Measure", all 9f which did not fit or support this Paradigm, be that Theory, Artifacts, even Peer Reviewed Science, were and are ignored, and the History Books reflect their Paradigm, 'a Moden Myth" that is accepted as Academic Facts. (The "Standards of Science and Research" prohibits using a Theory as a Fact.) Thus we have arrived at a time, where even the Current Events are encrusted with an application of creative writing to suit the Commentary for the purpose, agenda, the Power and Profits of the Owner of the 24hr Cable News, one of whom lightly referenced his Fox News as "We are an Opinion News Media", (reference: Biography Documentary of Rupert Murdoch). However, lest we forget, the "Universal Laws" are Absolute, and like the tides of the water you describe, the "Law of Rhythm" the ebb and flow of energies: *We are position in time, on the beach to witness the "Tides of Truths" flow in and have vast opportunities to apply the *"Thought + Feelings, to establish the Frequency", that can benefit our desires with the most prevalent of the "Universal Laws", the "Law of Attraction", which when understood offers "Conscious Creating".* A subject that will come to be realized as the most important value of everyone's Learning. A subject that's noticable in it's absence in Curriculum Education and in the Western Roman based Christian Religion. Particularly since it clearly was the foundation of the Teachings of Yeshua/Jesus, and found in sparse parts in the New Testament, yet in far more identifiable content in the "Gospel of Thomas", one that was intentionally withheld, though it met their referenced "standards for qualification". How the subject of greater Facts reflect vast explorations and potentials for such worthy discoveries. Beth a Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian

[@cathyheston3029]

Just 30 years?

[@KeyLargoDude]

I think it’s been getting better since they got rid of septic tanks, still a lot of work to do! I love ❤ the keys

[@americanazheck]

I was stationed at nas Boca chica over 40 years ago and speared fish , snorkeled and dove..The water was pretty much the same color until you went beyond the reefs..Then it was blue water..

[@virginiapalmeroart]

Amazing 🤩

[@jlsimmons1852]

GREAT program and documentary. My parents lived in Key West and I have always felt like it was 'home'. ...not a Conch but only a month away from actually being one before my parents moved away. Key West is in my blood, the Keys are in my blood...this was a great show for what this Paradise of the US was and still is in its small places. THANK YOU for producing this fantastic documentary.

[@awolfx7947]

Are there still any places left in the keys that still breathe the same atmosphere as back then?

[@bradcolby3624]

My great grandfather came down in 1912..my grandfather served at the Naval Base during the war and my mom went to school in Key West. This was such a wonderful documentary and I noticed many places still there today.

[@blancaestrada396]

Dear bradcolby3624, Greetings from San Francisco I am a native and feel like a sea gal....I just wanted to say your family history is so romantic, I wish they would make a movie about your great grandparents how they met...got marry etc..my parents came to San Francisco in 1955 life and things were so simple here.....my mother side of the family settled in Florida.....I did get to drive down all the way to Key West it was beautiful and enchanting ....I have been a old soul and would have love to have been there in 1912 and on......I dated a navy person when he was station a while at Treasure Island,,,thou the San Francisco Coast guard is still Station there......the Keys and archipelago that make this region are the most magical place in the world....... The Estrada's mom and son Jonathan ......🌁🌺🌊🌉📻👍

[@bethbartlett5692]

I must visit Key West, and Cuba. I've been all over Florida and around the Caribbean. I love Cuban People and Music, and I've been waiting a long time, all my life we couldn't go to Cuba. I will so enjoy the People (Cuba and Key West), and the Feeling of being there. (Hemingway had to be a really fun fishing friend.) Yep, it a plan/intention ✨ Chicago, USA

[@dezaricor]

Outstanding presentation of the Florida Keys!

[@zanem499]

I’ve grown up in the Florida Keys, Islamorada to be exact. The Keys is a very special place.

[@pauldemeester9298]

What a great documentary I’ve learned so much about the keys and Florida I’m ready to pack my bags it’s 5 o’clock somewhere

[@caryleepierce2605]

My late wife moved to Key west with her best friend in 1970 She loved the keys. Sadly became so expensive she couldn’t stay, which worked out otherwise I would not have ever met her years later. RIP Babe

[@leanneadams2549]

Now that’s what I call bittersweet !!!

[@lissainkd2580]

Key West has always been paradise. I've lived there on and off for many years starting at the age of 14 in 77. I worked on a shrimp boat before becoming a sailing lover. Even worked at Margaritaville in the 90's I now live aboard my sailboat in Hawaii, my other paradise 🏝️ Cheers for the wonderful story, thank you! Some of my most prized memories. ⛵🐚🐠🦐

[@SearchIndex]

I’ll always love orange blossom perfume from the keys ❤

[@DevoutFollowerofYeshua]

I lived in the 1980s in Bahama village. I absolutely loved it. My infant son played and learned to swim in the ocean and the lovely people of Bahama village treated us as family. We loved the community. I was there five years, stationed at the Navy base. I went back recently and was so sad to see what has happened to the area. The 1980's saw local artists that had little tiny stores all up and down Duval Street and it was so lovely and quaint. Now it's just a lot of people who drive fast, move fast and the quaintness of the few remaining Conch's, the true local people, seems very few and far between.

[@boondockingamerica]

We are still here .

[@chadsimmons6347]

@@boondockingamerica Wow you live down the street from Pres. Trump?

[@boondockingamerica]

@chadsimmons6347 no we are about 129 miles from the orange man.

[@americanazheck]

I stayed next to Floyd's barbershop on petronia st

[@rosescott9299]

Fantastic documentary!❤

[@dagmarmarionkidwell-to9ub]

I lived in Key West in 1956 i was 12, beautiful place at that time.

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Glad I got to visit the Keys in 2017 and 2019 - absolute paradise! 🌴

[@christinemckinney4093]

I was there in 1970 till 1971. Landed by small yacht, got a job, a house on stilts, met my husband, got married, traveled for 15 years, revisited the Keys every 5 years or so. Now a widow, settled on the Gulf Coast. Music of the 70' always takes me back. Good times.

[@nachomom-fk2bi]

Paradise would be pristine and undeveloped. When you call it paradise you kiss it good-bye!

[@goldielion-s7f]

Awesome documentary! Thank you, SoFL PBS!!!

[@gregmertz1202]

❤❤❤❤ Wow EXCELLENT REVIEW!! I SUBSCRIBED ❤

[@kevinellis8307]

Wonderfully put together!!!

[@christinemckinney4093]

I remember filling traps with cement, loading them on the boat and driving out to the Tortuga's as the sun was coming up. Then returning to Marathon Seafood House with the catch, boiling in the house, rice and beans and good company.

[@debcoughlan5176]

Marathon here. Two different times-in the 1970s, returning for in-laws, and 1980s again returning to W TN for in-laws. My parents had wintered here, then moved late 1960s. We came to be with them in business enterprises. Our son was born here July 1973. All family now dead, mother's ashes in Gulf. But even hearing' Marathon', I immediately can smell, feel, and relish in the memories. I did home health from Ocean Reef to Big Pine, in shacks and mansions. US 1 was still just 2 lanes-challenging drive especially in evacuations where folks were not known to drive sensibly. Later I worked at Fishermans in discharge planning/social service, having to write the manuals after studying state and federal requirements...but I got to know all the air ambulance folks to get snowbirds back home after serious illnesses or bad wrecks. Connection with the Sheriff Department, and my son joined the cadet program. My son is glad to be a "conch", and is now over 50. Thanks for this special. Definitely full and fragrant memories.

[@meyexperience]

Being able to learn this in depth history while living in florida and being a few hours away to epxerience the wonders. I feel blessed. Key West was touched and influenced by all types of people from all over.

[@jemezfun9767]

Key west has definitely been “touched” by all “walks” of life🤮

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

In 1999 I walked from Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead and took a small Bus to Key West , I stayed a bit over a Year , No Sunscreen , I turned Purple , I now have a sore on my head that won't Heal . But I had so much fun , the Rumrunners were Devine , Working on the Jail Crew was even interesting I got to see Islands that have bunkers that are still on no Maps . I got to know a Lot about every little nook and Place to sleep , every Bar to get a Drink , the Sunsets were Amazing , the Lime Pie was great , I saw the Cats all around the Lighthouse , You need to see this place before you go , It's worth it :) QC

[@tothelighthouse9843]

Love your comment, QC, but just to be safe make sure you get that sore on your head checked out. I'm a gardener-landscaper, I had a sore on my forehead that wouldn't heal--it was skin cancer. Caught it early, knock on wood, & no issues since. Take care, friend!!!

[@barrywainwright3391]

Why take a bus? You don't have a car to drive any where?

[@lchaney]

​@@barrywainwright3391 His name is Quaalude Charlie; I wouldn't recommend him driving.

[@calgal5752]

@@barrywainwright3391. Well obviously not if he walked from Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead!!!

[@investorbettor505]

The keys rock! It is a wonderful culture and beautiful nature. Nothing else like it in the USA!

[@kjnest]

Thank you! Always like to learn something new!!

[@americanazheck]

I left key west in the early 80's and returned from time to time. I then lived in Homestead during 2015 and would always be somewhere in the keys. Key west has changed so much that it's not worth going to in my opinion. Too many souvenir shops and tourists. The green parrot, Captain Tony's and sloppy joes bar expanded , ruining the quaintness of the establishments. I remember in the early eighties seeing and speaking with Capt Tony at his bar. He was a character. The upper keys are bumper to bumper traffic and people from Miami have trashed and overfished every fish possible. I'm glad I was able to enjoy the old key west when I was a younger man

[@angelarios2931]

Did you know Sixto Quesada??

[@awolfx7947]

Are there still any places left in the keys that still breathe the same atmosphere as back then?

[@BewelCranfield]

AMEN TO THAT

[@americanazheck]

​@@awolfx7947yes. I loved cudjoe key and Sugarloaf. We did alot of kayaking and fishing out of cudjoe. There's a boat ramp at the end of the road that we launched from. Lucky if we seen a single person all day. Crystal clear shallow water. So my advice is as soon as you cross the seven mile bridge there's veterans park on the left that is nice. Launch a kayak from there and find a small beach to chill on. There's also a small island next to the bridge that is another cool place.

[@hannahpumpkins4359]

I lived in Marathon for a long time - it's an amazing, beautiful, fun and laid-back little drinking community with a serious fishing problem.

[@christinemckinney4093]

Who could forget the year of cessesion from the Union and the formation of the Conch Republic. Fun times!

[@antrikikin]

I've been to the keys three times. Nothing else like it!

[@elainegoolsby9902]

Excellent! I love camping on Sugar Loaf Key! The Keyes are magical, a place you can just "BE!" It is so beautiful!💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@larrykendrick8095]

Thanks for making this great documentary. I visited The Keys recently and now have new knowledge and insights into the development of the area. This warrants another visit!

[@HRHPrincessDianaGoodman]

I appreciate the diversity in the storytelling. Thank you for sharing this.

[@imsunasong3912]

Loved it there and so enjoyed learning the history on this video. 🐚🐚🐚

[@roberthartley8105]

"BRAVO", So Well Done, Thank You................................................

[@UrbanFisherman]

Great documentary 👍🏽📹

[@brianwilliams3438]

Julia Tuttle was the one who convinced Flagler to bring his railroad to Miami. He was never interested. She was brilliant !

[@lindabuck2777]

Good to know! Women getting credit! Who knew?!?!🤔🙏🏻❤️

[@WarrenPhelps-yw6mk]

I love the detailed history. I enjoy learning about new things.

[@stewiegriffin366]

As a Bahamian its nice to hear of some of our history!

[@stewiegriffin366]

@ROCKET MAN I was born a Bahamian, not a victim of colonialism.

[@stewiegriffin366]

@ROCKET MAN I'm sorry you have a challenge with reading. I never said I lived in the "keys". I am a Bahamian not an American.

[@barrywainwright3391]

I live in NJ and drove all the way to Key West one time. It definitely feels different down there. Had a good time on Duval Street. But I wouldn't want to be there if a tsunami hits or hurricane. It's a very fragile area to live but nice place to visit. Btw, it's expensive to live there.

[@pamfrank3962]

Wonderful documentary 👏❤

[@americanazheck]

When I got out of the navy in 1981, I lived in Bahama village. Very tight knit community. I was white and never had a problem .

[@SusanInSFL]

Well done! Not too TDC! Having lived in KW 28 yrs, it reminded me of what I loved about it before it became over-sold, overcrowded and really trashed. So sad.

[@jimshoe402]

sucks now.I call it Condo West !!!

[@paulsuprono7225]

@@jimshoe402 Lol, so symbolic of expansion . . . domestically. Now how can interest be created to immigrate northwest - Minot, North Dakota . . . Lol. 😎 🇺🇲 🤗

[@Breezybree63]

Growing up in south Florida- the keys were always a special place for us. Once I graduated from HS we moved to Big Pine. We were fortunate to be able to be caretakers of Camp Wesumpkee ( Girl Scout camp) for a year. I loved living in the keys. Life takes us in directions we don’t always understand. But, I am coming back.

[@mannymoseley4005]

Thank you for posting this informative, entertaining and helpful video of this beautiful place, Key West. I so hope to visit one day, maybe even have a vacation home their one day. I too am a writer and hope Key West can inspire me further. Numerous movies include Key West, to name two Miami Vice and A Murder of Crows with Cuba Gooding Jr. God bless.

[@boogiedownforever]

I have been going to the keys since 1997 and every 5 or 6 years it changes its vibe a bit. Everyone complains it was not what it used to be. But the keys are like no other. Once you go............you will go back for longer periods of time every year. And you will say....why do I keep going back to the same place when there is the whole world to explore......and its because of the vibe. The people make the place along with the weather and the beautiful water. I bartend down there in the winters and I pick a new key every year. I never in my life worked where the cooks, the servers, bartenders, customers are all happy.

[@gretaferebee3179]

If you ever find yourself on key West, be sure to take the Hemmingway House tour. I got to, and even though I am very handicapped and couldn’t easily run sll over the property, I was infinitely happy to get to spend my evtire visit there sitting in The Hemmingway’s kitchen. I was fascinated by that house and what I was able to absorb there. And the entire town is populated with those darling 6 toed kitty cats.

[@jeffburger2782]

Great documentry and the pictures just put you right in the mix...

[@christinemckinney4093]

Anyone remember the infamous Hanley's Restaurant on Marathon Key? Interesting chapter in the history of the island. The story goes that Jackie Gleason was co-owner of Hanley's. Downstairs was a fine dining area with garadon service, and somalier service for each table. But upstairs was by invitation only. It was a casino and speakeasy. The yachts could dock in front of, ( well actually behind) the restaurant and patrons could disembark in their finery and find themselves discreetly escorted up the winding staircase to the inner sanctum. There was the usual scandal and the usual reprimands and occasional fines, but hey, it was that era, and you know how that goes.

[@juancarlosdominguez9998]

wow....beautiful history always linked to my homeland! we are so close and related indeed. my grand grand father was settled in KW for a time linked to Gato and the others revolutionaries. thanks PBS for such a great documentary! hugs from Havana Cuba

[@LIZZIE-lizzie]

Well done Documentary of our American Heritage. There is an island, I remember reading, that was owned by a black man who allowed no intrusions on the island. It is a National Park, today - something along those lines, if not mistaken and my memory serves me somewhat correctly 😅

[@EvergreenOG]

Thk u for this…great story

[@snuffy166]

I never knew key lime pie came from the Florida keys, learned something new.

[@talldude5841]

I celabraed my birthday last year with my girlfrid for four days right off Duvall Street. The people were so kool. Never forget it. Key West should be on everyones bucket list to see. Just bring lots of money.

[@andrebankston-ct6ws]

I live in the Keys and once was a beautiful place. Unfortunately now there are way to many Humans that come and don't give a Sh.i about it's environment or abide to the regulations. Its pitiful to see what little consideration some have.

[@markweigel3301]

😎🇺🇸🧜This Video Should Be Included As Part Of The Mandatory History Curriculum Of Every Florida School 🙏Thank You South Florida PBS From A 3rd Generational South Florida Native !!!

[@BrittMFH]

A class on how to use capitalism in sentences should also be included.

[@markweigel3301]

@@BrittMFH I Use Capital Letters To Accentuate My Point

[@CatJuarez]

Most definitely the Bestest Story! I love the Keys🌼🌺🥰🌸🌷❇️

[@patrickwolf5796]

The one thing I expected to be in this show was the start of TWA. A first in the world company with it's origins there. Other than that minor point, it was a fantastic show... I will always remember my visit to the magical island and the good times I had there. Thank you.

[@coastalseasider4634]

Hmm, Pan Am began in Dinner Key (Coconut Grove, Miami) & Key West. Never heard about TWA beginning on this coast.

[@ArtVanAuggie]

In Marathon, we call Key West Key Weird.

[@daleolson3506]

Freaks are in

[@samhallowsdc]

why in this 60 min PBS program are there 3-4 minutes devoted to gays and lesbians? i dont get it. Thats 3% of the program. Is the gay movement really 3% of the floriday keys 200 year history?!?! What history got left out in leiu of the gay story? kinda sad to me.

[@ArtVanAuggie]

@samhallowsdc the gay community (I don't know about the rest of the letters), is a fairly significant part of the Key West community. I'm straight, and they don't bother me a bit. They are part of Key Weird as much as anyone else.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Back in '85, my ex-brother in law and I, along with 2 friends worked in Islamorada doing a major improvement/restoration of 2 resort hotels. We would work the weekdays, and come home to our families in Melbourne Florida every other weekend for close to 6 months. Literally every local we met there during that time had the same story: they came to work there temporarily, but loved it so much, they never left. Of course all of that has changed now, sadly. The Florida Keys has gone commercialized. When we worked there, it was still a VERY affordable tourist attraction with their cute, cozy hotels, restaurants, and lounges, & still had that aire of old Florida paradise. Not any more. Most of the quaint small businesses were pushed out/bought out & gobbled up. Now it's a place that only the wealthy can afford........and nowhere near as beautiful & intimate as it once was.

[@Piratedaveslife]

Key West is always a blast.

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting/informative/entertaining. Excellent still-motion photography pictures. Enabling viewer's to better understand what/whom the orator was describing. Special thanks to residents sharing personal information on daily lifestyles. Unfortunately the Key West turned into something it was never ment to be.

[@John-bk1ek]

Smart man true history tells us a lot

[@Steve-FAFO]

I lived there for over 10 yrs I loved it it was expensive but a great place

[@mikeparkhurst8804]

I've been so lucky to have lived and worked all over the world 🌎. But there's not anything to compare to Florida Key's. Love.em 🎉😊❤❤❤

[@FATHERKNOSEBEST]

Officer Bianco, FANTASTIC INTERVIEW! Never give up!

[@John-bk1ek]

It is a beautiful place been there and loved it

[@debisybesma5855]

this is sooooo stinking cool!!!!.....i love the days when people had MORE of an interest in BUILDING things up rather than tear it all down!!!! i've lived in fla too long to have never made it to the keys yet!!! there's a statue down there that i've wanted to see and THE bridge and just the history of it all for....25 years!!!!!😕 glad things worked out between flagler and krome. krome seems like he was a pretty stand up guy to WANT to give flagler his dream come true.

[@devangel3614]

Beautiful history. However, where are the Bahamas village descendants, the old Cuban families today? They can no longer afford to live in KW. KW, like virtually every coastal in town in the US is now owned by developers, persons/corporations who saw the opportunity and were given free reign when real estate was cheap to develop. The result is that most Americans, even those born and raised in those communities can no longer afford to live there, let alone own property unless they were lucky enough to inherit and able to resist the lucrative offers of developers. The sad reality is that we have sold KW and coastal communities to persons and corporations who will never live there, who have little ties to the communities they now control the vacation rental and tourism industries in. They don't represent the history, hearts and souls of those who built those communities. We, need to limit our greed and desires to redevelopment to a sustainable level that allows the people of these communities to remain, to thrive and to continue to create and contribute to the natural history, character, and inherent charm of real communities, rather than to become a part of the unaffordable vacation industry that forces them to move to where they can afford housing and the food on their plates. For the most part history and communities are not built by soulless corporate entities buying up local places.

[@sandybennett3947]

This is so wrong and 😢

[@hesseldijkstra5327]

Basically there are no real beaches left in the Florida Keys. We searched for them. But the only reasonable one is in Key Largo at the John Pennekamp Corral Reef State Park at a length of about 100 yards the rest are mini beaches were you can wade knee deep. The developers must have taken over all the nice beaches shown in this movie.

[@sonicrevolver2917]

AirBBs and VRBOs are destroying communities and neighborhoods all over the world. The developers and realtors are simply blood sucking greedy people. They don’t care about neighborhoods and communities.

[@judyfroemming7756]

I was there approximately 50 years ago with my mother and sister and a friend of ours. It had become a Haven for gays and Cubans. (Boat people.). We'd liked the key lime pie and conch dishes.

[@Crymeariver227]

@@hesseldijkstra5327 There never was beaches; we live on rocks of coral which is also why we have no “waves” either. Any beaches we have are man made ones.

[@KeyLargoDude]

amazing documentary of my backyard ❤❤

[@davidrodriguez2366]

Awesome video learned alot about the keys I didn't know.👌

[@yaraviera4444]

Thanks for sharing this video it's a place of paradise.. Florida is beautiful is more calm place..

[@allmivoyses]

I lived in the Keys after I was discharged from the Army. It was great. It was lonely. Each Key was its own little community. They were ruined when they expanded US1 and more people could easily get there.

[@Harold710]

A1A ?

[@coconut569]

Beautiful place

[@nancysmith8384]

Makes me miss home 💙💚💙

[@brettvonhenneberg-romhild3535]

I once woke up in a drunk tank in Key West with three stitches in my face after paying a homeless man to buy liquor outside of a cemetery, stealing a cart and eating the pavement in front of Ernest Hemingway's house. Ah, youth is a gift of nature. I have the scars to prove it.

[@fredthompson8185]

boot legging was big back in the day before i was born, it was always hidden o0n the harbor keys and brought in on sunday while most were in church.

[@cherimitchell-santiago8258]

I have some old photos from my parents' photo album from the 50s and 60s. Is there some place that is interested in some of them?

[@bestofbothworldsl]

Probably there is, contact the library they would guide you

[@CatJuarez]

Contact some Historical Museums. I went to several while visiting from California and I was fascinated learning about the History

[@urex1717]

I lived in Key West for six months. Pretty convinced I would be dead if I extended my stay.

[@BEYONDYOURIQ]

It's beautiful there but you feel vulnerable to storms due to the isolation.

[@pauleohl]

Was not aware of most of the topics, especially the 19th century history. Surprised that Hurricane Irma 2017 was not mentioned.

[@hughjass1835]

There's a TON of history missing here

[@Astrobucks2]

It's PBS and Key West focused....this means the wealthy white liberals who are the primary consumers of publicly financed media as well as the resident of the Key West need to feed their own narcissism by focusing in on the victimhoom aspect of the history. This is key to feed their own egos as well as push the racial and gender conflict theories which help them divide and gain power.

[@williewilson8244]

I spent 2 weeks every summer with my iron worker Dad from St. Louis we lived in Captain Tony’s and Sloppy Joe’s!!! It was a good time. Sad to See what the Keys have become…

[@georgekoutsis9351]

I love everything about the keys

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

I'm due to visit Key West in January '24. Unfortunately, only for one day, on a small British cruise ship. I can see I'll have a lot to cram in!

[@lorikelleysongs]

Where's Capt. Tony??? Loved it, though. Great job. I used to sing at Capt. Tony's Saloon in the mid '90s when Shel and Mel and Capt. Tony were still alive :>

[@gervazejoseph9586]

The Florida Keys and Florida in general always impressed me as unique, though alas -- would that the Keys-proper were a terra better kept discreet, ay about which few if any words were shared...

[@BohemianBeatster]

Groovy video

[@angelarios2931]

We moved from Key West to Texas in 1997, I was 9. I am now 37… all I want to do is go home ❤

[@nightengale7163]

Well done documentary. 💦

[@pipfox7834]

a good film: what detracts a lot is the super fast paced show of old photos, which pass as a blur! leaving no time to look at them properly and absorb what they have to tell us... please just stop with the coffee, slow down or something. Consider your viewers a little.

[@pipfox7834]

ok four minuts in, the pace becomes realistic! thankyou