“We 
Seceded Where Others Failed” will be heard many times over in Key West between April 22 and May 1 as the Conch Republic celebrates the 29th anniversary of “secession” from the United States.
Troubles began 29 years ago when the United States Border Patrol set up a blockade on highway U.S. 1 just to the north of the Florida Keys, the only land artery to and from the mainland. Residents of the Keys were dismayed to find themselves needing to prove their U.S. citizenship in order to enter the mainland. Key West Mayor, Dennis Wardlow, along with a few other concerned citizens, failed in their attempt to get an injunction from the Federal Court in Miami to stop the blockade.
So, on April 23, 1982, the infamous words declared by Mayor Wardlow to the world, by way of TV cameras ready at the steps of the Federal Courthouse, declared, “Tomorrow at noon the Florida Keys will secede from the Union!”
As announced, the official proclamation of secession was read at Mallory Square in Key West on April 24th. The Conch Republic was declared an independent nation. After one minute of rebellion, the now Prime Minister Wardlow surrendered to the Union Forces led by the Admiral in charge of the Navy Base at Key West. In the next breath Prime Minister Wardlow demanded $1 billion in foreign aid and war relief for his beleaguered nation.
Today residents of the Florida Keys consider themselves to hold dual citizenship in both the Conch Republic and America. As Sir Peter Anderson, Secretary General of the Conch Republic, states, “. . the Conch Republic, (is) a sovereign state of mind, seeking only to bring more humor, warmth, and respect to a world in sore need of all three”. In true Key West fashion, the anniversary of the secession is celebrated every year with several days of festivities.
Truly, this is an independence celebration not to be missed. Festivities begin with the raising of the colors at Fort Taylor and Conch Republic Military Muster on Friday, April 22. The multitude of events in the following days include a reception aboard the USS Ingraham Memorial Museum ship, the Conch Republic royal family investiture party, the Great Battle for the Conch Republic in Key West Harbor, and the Annual Conch Cruise Car Show. There will be races, festivals, music, and food events too numerous to mention. The complete schedule is found on the Conch Republic website.
How can you not love a nation dedicated to humor, warmth, and respect? Call me today and we’ll take a look at the wide selection of homes for you in the beautiful Key West , land of the Conch Republic. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.