Paradise Is Key West

One of my favorites.

He's a cutie, isn't he?

We drove to Big Pine Key, and he posed for me. Precious!

The Key Deer, the littlest sub-species of the white tailed deer, are protected . Back in the 1950s, they were down to less than 50 total. In 1957, the refuge was created, and their numbers are increasing, now about 800 - 1000.

You can only find these little deer in the Florida Keys, predominantly on Big Pine Key. They can swim, though, so you just may see them elsewhere.

They stand 24 - 32 inches tall to their shoulder. They weigh up to 80 pounds. They will come up to you, as they're used to people.

As I said, they are protected, so feeding them is illegal. Also, please drive carefully. Follow the speed limit because they will wander across the street right in front of you.

The 90 Mile Marker, or Buoy, in Key West. Erected in 1983, it's the #1 photo op spot.

No, it really isn't actually 90 miles to Cuba there. Ft. Zackary Taylor is a bit close. The actual 90 miles is on the Truman Annex Naval Base. But civilians aren't allowed on that base.

A couple of tips:
1. There's usually long lines of people waiting to take a picture, so go either early morning, 7AM or earlier, OR 8PM. No lines. There's usually a couple of other tourists around who will gladly take your picture as long as you take theirs.

2. During the day, you may have someone "offer" to take your picture. For a price. Don't do it. Make a deal with the people in front of, or behind you, in line. They take yours. You take theirs.

It's that time again!

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🙏❤️


📷➡️

Sail on Jimmy. You've inspired so many. You put smiles and laughter into our lives. Loved the excitement and energy of your shows.This Parrothead, and so many others, will miss you. 😢

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Key West Airport breaks ground on $100-Million Expansion – 850 WFTL (KEY WEST, FLA) -- Ground was broken earlier this month to begin the $100-million expansion to Key West International Airport. Director of Airports Richard Stri

Fred the Tree is going to be a celebra-tree. 😀

Coming in 2023 on Amazon Prime. The remake of Roadhouse, st in the Keys this time.

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Fantasy Fest is gearing up.

Are you here????

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photo courtesyof@the_local_life_kw

So sad to see our beloved island under water, Gulf to Ocean.

And yet Key West is very resilient. The water recedes, clean-up begins. Neighbors helping neighbors. A community bands together.

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Photo courtesy of

Sister Gabriel designed this artistic structure made of natural rock gathered from these Church grounds and throughout the island. Contributions that came from her many friends in the community made the construction possible. Sister Gabriel had survived three major hurricanes since her arrival in Key West on August 25, 1897. Because of the devastation and heartache she had witnessed as a result of these terrible storms, her deep desire to keep Key West and its residents safe from future storms generated her passion to build the Grotto to seek protection from Our Blessed Mother Mary. Tradition tells us that Sister Gabriel is said to have remarked on that dedication day that as long as the Grotto stood, “Key West would never experience the full brunt of a hurricane.” And as all residents can attest, there has not been a severe storm on the island since the er****on of the Grotto in 1922.

For more info see the following:
https://stmarykeywest.com/grotto/

Hurricane 🌀 Ian is making his approach felt. Water is rising. Pier is covered already.

Stay safe Key Westers. 🙏

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