Key West, FL

Key West, Florida

Introduction to Key West, Florida

Key West is the name of the city and the island it's situated on. It's located at the southern tip of the Florida Keys in Monroe County and is referred to as the "Southernmost City in the Continental United States." The island is a popular destination for cruise ships. "Old Town" attracts a vast number of tourists. Key West has a tropical climate. The well known Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams resided on the island.

History

The Calusa Indians were the original inhabitants. In 1521 Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European to arrive on the island. Florida was initially a Spanish colony. In 1763 the British were in charge of Florida and the Spaniards and the native Indians were relocated to Havana. Spain took back control approximately twenty years later, however the Spanish government did not exercise its control of the island. In 1815 the Spanish governor, residing in Havana, deeded the island to Juan Pablo Salas, an officer in the Royal Spanish Navy Artillery. In 1821 John W. Simonton, a businessman from the United States acquired the island from Salas.

After 1830 a vast number of immigrants, called Conchs, arrived from the Bahamas. In 1860 salvaging shipwrecks made Key West the most prosperous city in the state of Florida. Although Florida was part of the Confederacy during the Civil War, the island was still controlled by the Union, due to the Union's naval base. A vast number of Cubans relocated in Key West during the 1860's and the 1870's.

Attractions

• Old Town Key West.
• Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage.
• The Studios of Key West is a prominent artist community.
• The Key West Botanical Forest and Garden.
• The Shipwreck Museum provides a scenic view of the island.
• The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory includes a glass domed tropical butterfly environment.
• Southernmost Point.
• Key West Cemetery.
• The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum features treasures taken from shipwrecks from all over the world.
• Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum.
• Ernest Hemingway's home is now a museum.
• Key West Nature Preserve.
• Key West Aquarium.
• Curry Mansion Museum is a superb Victorian structure.
• Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Duval Street is a very popular location for restaurants and bars including Rick's Cafe, Captain Tony's Saloon, Rick's/Dirty Harry's Entertainment, the Bull and Whistle, Sloppy Joe's and Irish Kevin's Bar. The Sunset Festival at Mallory Square begins a few hours before sunset and can be described as a street carnival. Tourists enjoy shopping and dining at the Key West Historic Seaport. The Tennessee Williams Theatre is utilized for the performing arts and community events. The Key West Literary Seminar features well known writers. Visitors enjoy the Trails of Margaritaville Tour and also Fantasy Fest.

Outdoor Activities

Swimming with dolphins for children is offered in the Key Largo/Key West Area. The popular Conch Tour Train takes passengers through the historic Old Town. Tourists enjoy glass bottom boat excursions. Excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling are located along the reefs. The shoreline near Fort Jefferson is a popular destination. Tourists can take a ferry ride to the notable Dry Tortungas National Park. Sightseeing cruises are a great way to enjoy Key West and the beautiful clear waters. Fishing is a popular outdoor activity. Some of the best beaches are Rest Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor, South Beach and Higg's Beach.

High Points

Key West strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Florida):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 15%

Comparative Profile of Key West, FL

Comparing Key West to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Florida (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Women
Children Under 5 Years Old
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Rents

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Key West Almanac

Key West Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Key West Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Key West, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Key West Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Key West Hospitals

LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER
(Proprietary)
5900 COLLEGE ROAD
(305) 294-5531
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Key West

Key West High Schools (2004)

KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL
2100 FLAGLER AVENUE
305-293-1549
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,380 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 20

PACE-LOWER KEYS
3130 FLAGLER AVENUE
305-293-1892
Serves 25 students.

Key West Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Florida Keys Community College

(List of All Florida Colleges)

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