Thousands turn out to see the King at Nautical Fair

Old Conch — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:22:41 +0000

The Conch Republic via a Guest Blogger

The Skipper — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:08:22 +0000

This week, we welcome Chris Tucker’s contribution to the kingofconch.com. Chris’s personal blog can be found here.

The Conch republic is a society unto itself. Located in the city of Key West, Florida, this micro nation was formed as a simple protest. The Conch Republic seceded from the rest of the United States as a protest to a roadblock/inspection point back in 1982. The United States Border Patrol had set up this inspection point up to search for narcotics and illegal immigrants. In my research nothing was found of any importance in the vehicles that were searched. What happened after the Border Patrol had created this roadblock was a major traffic jam. There is only one way into the Keys by land and only one way out. Not only that, but it’s also a one lane road. So now you can see how much of a hassle it would be for local residents and people on vacation. The loss of monetary gain for the local economy was evident as well in the local business owner’s disgust of this unjust checkpoint.

The city council’s complaints were not listened to by the Federal Government. Attempts also to get an injunction against the roadblock was shot down in court. The mayor at the time Dennis Wardlow and the council; wanting to protest this unfair treatment officially declared “independence”. The council felt that since the federal government had erected an inspection point equivalent of a border station as they were a foreign nation, they might as well be one. Keys citizens have long been referred to as Conchs, so they took the name the Conch Republic. Their official motto is “We have seceded where others have failed”. So you can see their humor and play on words here. But more importantly it sums up their personal beliefs. This secession occurred on April 23, 1982 in Key West.

Conchs believe they have the right to enjoy the Keys without any outside interference, which most residents say is a state of mind, not just a location. The whole aura about the Keys or the Conch Republic is to “get away”. It’s an escape. Conchs enjoy themselves whether it is relaxing by the beach, fishing, or hanging out at a bar. The very people who live at the Conch Republic and travel there are mostly those who desire a simpler way of living, more laid back. Hence when they seceded from the US government it was light hearted, but there was seriousness to it as well. The Conchs hold their land in high regard.

The roadblock had frustrated and inconvenienced many residents. It also had slowed down tourism a lot. Most Conch Republic residents really didn’t like the fact their own country was taking actions against supposed drug smugglers and illegal immigrants without considering all the implications.

The Conch Republic is full of and has always attracted free-thinkers that constantly question authority, hence the fact that they want to get away, live somewhere else. To live out their days in peace from an overzealous state. The Conchs are decedents of Indians, pirates, and salvagers. So native people, travelers, and some less desirables are early ancestors of modern Conchs. Ernest Hemingway comes to mind as an individual representative of the Conch way of life. He was an American writer, journalist, and winner of a Pulitzer Prize. All through his childhood his family would spend winters in Key West (Conch Republic). Later on in life he went there to once again “get away”. He went to relax, write, and fish. Hemingway is a great American author who was a free-thinker. He wrote fiction and was critical of war and the military’s influence on society. There is a reoccurring theme in people involved with the Conch Republic. The common element of not really us vs. them, but Conchs want the government to mind it’s business and don’t just do whatever they want as is evident with the roadblock incident.

So I think what can be drawn from the citizens of this great nation is they are not lazy, drunken fisherman who waste away the days; but it is more profound than that. Some would dare to say that Conch residents have figured it out. Living the simple life and not worrying too much about work and trivial things. These modern day Conchs are business owners, fisherman, sailors, scuba divers, fathers, mothers, friends, and children. At first they might go to escape but in the process find themselves becoming closer to their families and the tropical environment. The Conch residents embody a Zen-like focus on relaxing and having a good time. But they also are not push overs and they can think for themselves. They want better for themselves. We saw this when they protested and declared independence in April of 1982. So as residents of the Conch Republic relax by the beach and cast out their line, if they are disturbed they can formulate their beliefs into action and aren’t afraid to demand their God given rights. The right to personal freedom and the pursuit thereof.

January 2010 Fishing Tournaments

Old Conch — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:28:33 +0000

Jan. 7-9: Sailfish Open at Hawks Cay.

Marathon. Eighteen teams of professional anglers and amateur enthusiasts will compete in the catch-and-release tournament in the waters around Marathon. Contact Laura Emmole at (305) 395-3474 or (727) 631-0072, e-mail lemmole@worldsailfish.com or visit thesailfishopen.com.

Jan. 7-10: Sailbone Offshore & Backcountry.

Islamorada. Three days of fishing in the backcountry and offshore have anglers competing for both sailfish and bonefish. Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at

(305) 664-2012 or (305) 393-6174, or e-mail sharellen@netzero.net.

Jan 10-11: Bartender’s Sailfish Open.

Islamorada. An all-release sailfish tournament, this challenge offers awards to winning bars and bartenders. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102, e-mail m ditournaments@aol.com, visit Islamoradasailfishtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 462, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan 12-14: Islamorada SailFly Championship.

Islamorada. In this all-release boat team tournament with no more than two anglers per boat allowed, captains, mates or anglers can tease, but only the registered anglers can cast, hook and play the fish. Tournament rules will be IGFA format. Contact Denise Scoble or Sandy Moret at (305) 664-5423, e-mail sandy@floridakeysoutfitters.com or write to P.O. Box 603,

Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 15-17: Key Largo Sailfish Challenge.

Key Largo. Anglers battle msailfish during the peak of the season. The tournament also features raffles, drawings and cash prizes. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305)852-9337 or e-mail fishnbully@msn.com.

Jan. 21-23: Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament.

Islamorada. In this all-release tournament, anglers fish for the mighty sailfish in waters surrounding the region known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. The tournament is an official event of the World Billfish Series, Southeast Division. Contact Liz Hill at (305) 451-5094, e-mail presidentialsailfishtournament@cheeca.com, visit cheeca.com or write to Cheeca Lodge, P.O. Box 527, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 22-24: Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament.

Key West. Anglers use fast boats to target the voracious king mackerel, also known as kingfish, for cash prizes. Contact Lee Murray at (305) 296- 0364, e-mail lee@murraymarine.com or write to Murray Marine, 5710m U.S. 1, Mile Marker 5, Key West FL 33040.

Jan. 25-26: Captain Al Flutie Over the Hill Sailfish Tournament.

Islamorada. Anglers ages 50 and over are challenged to catch and release

the most sailfish. Contact Bill Kelly at (305) 394-5333 or write to 130

Tequesta St., Tavernier, FL 33070; or contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-

2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit redbone.org or write to P.O.

Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 27-28: Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament.

Islamorada. The historic fishing club offers a $30,000 winner-takeall

cash prize in this sailfish challenge. The tournament is limited

to 30 boats. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102 or (305)

664-4725, e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishinglclub.com or visit

theislamoradafishingclub.com.

Information Courtesy of Weekly Fisherman

Grinch Scheduled to Meet Santa at Florida Keys Holiday Festival

The Skipper — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:23:06 +0000

On a subtropical island where fall and winter daytime temperatures average in the 70s, it’s hard to imagine sandal-clad kids playing in the snow.

But that’s the plan for the annual Florida Keys Holiday Festival, taking place from 4-10 p.m. Dec. 5, at Islamorada’s Founders Park, Mile Marker 87 bayside.

A 20-ton mountain of actual snow will be the centerpiece of the festival. Kids who have never seen snow can join with those more experienced in snowman sculpting to create one complete with corncob pipe and button nose before the snow melts.

Other event highlights include the Santa Paws Pet Parade, designed to provide a tail-waggin’ good time for pets decked out in holiday finery. Prizes await “party animals” that are best dressed or perform the best trick. Any domestic animal is welcome to participate and entry is free. For details, call 305-451-0088.

Decorative fur will give way to festive fir during the evening, as a 35-foot-tall community Christmas fir tree glistens with snow while carolers sing.

Vendors plan to offer arts and crafts in a holiday bazaar and food and wine in “Vino Village.” In addition, selected artists are expected to donate handcrafted ornaments that will be on display and sold by silent auction.

The annual holiday parade will be themed the “Art of Giving,” in honor of the lifetime artwork of Millard Wells. Wells, a prolific watercolor artist, will serve as grand marshal of the parade, set to start at 7 p.m.

His lighthouse and fish design adorns the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce.

Parade participants typically include the local high school’s Hurricanes marching band, decorated floats and antique cars. Santa is set to take part in the festivities, as well as Dr. Seuss’ strangely lovable Grinch.

The parade route proceeds from the Founders Park main entrance through the park before finishing at the southern gate.

Admission to the Holiday Festival is free, but donations will be collected for parking.

For more information, contact the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 800-322-5397.

Source: http://keysnews.com/node/7534

Stone Crab Time 2009-2010

Old Conch — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:05:41 +0000

The first month of the stone crab season has been a disappointment to most. Compared to the last few years the counts are low and the sizes small. Like in any fishing season, each expert has their own reason for the sluggish start to the season . Some say its water tempature others believe its the overabundance of protected fish species which eat the crab. Who knows but I’ll keep you updated after this week"s adventure.

If you planning on going for stone crab please read the blog on One or Two Claws

Chad’s

Old Conch — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:41:55 +0000

Thinking of lunch or light dinner in Tavernier consider Chads Deli & Bakery. I’ve always wondered about the name because its not a bakery. Its a good Italian Delli and pizzeria. At lunch the food is fresh and good with large portions. Todays lunch, for me was a Steak, Onions and Cheese sub on a sour doug roll, was tasty, fresh and served piping hot with a drink and chips. The pricing is a little high, but the food is good and portions are large. Their dinners are good and reasonable priced. A great place for a bite and the service is great. Give it a try (Eat in, Delivery and Takeout)

Chads is located at Mile Marker 92 on the west side of overseas Highway in Tavernier. Open from 10 am-10pm Phone (305) 853-5556

Key Largo Pirate Fest Comes to the Florida Keys

The Skipper — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:02:17 +0000

That’s Right Conch Heads, the Key Largo Pirate Festival returns to the Key Largo this weekend. Beginning Thursday, October 22nd and ending on Sunday, October 25th you can eat, drink and be merry while enjoying this fantastic pirate-themed festival. Complete with local music, food that could kill the most-seasoned sailor and the finest grog in town, this festival is sure to leave a lasting impression on just about anyone.

What’s better is that, for the first time ever, the King of Conch and the kingofconch.com will be out and about taking pictures with fans and selling Conch Republic souvenirs. This year we’ll be joined by photographer John Berger who is displaying some of his latest pieces. For more info, checkout the official website or contact us.

Happy sailing!

FEMA DECLARES ALL OUT WAR ON THE CONCH REPUBLIC

King Ron — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:42:10 +0000

In a highly political move, FEMA has decided to punish the independent people of the Conch Republic. In a recent letter from a goverment burarat ( a person who can’t survive in private industy so becomes a non productive goverment worker). threatened all Conchs with strong United States Federal Goverment reprisals if they don’t destroy the lower floors on their homes. The US Fema official, in a nasty letter to local officials declaired that he, while sitting in his Atlanta office, will not comprimise, all first floors will be removed or else. To many long term Conch’s this is a replay of the 1982 federal blocade of the Conch Republic resulting in the revalution, and the formation of The Conch Republic. Over the years the U. S. goverment has used Border Patrol, Navy, Cost Guard, Army and Florida State police personel to attempt to squash the free thinking people of the Conch Republic with no sucess. Today Conch live under military rule imposed after their sucession in 1982. The Royal Family has rerquested all Conchs are to stock up on essentials such as (Rum, Lobsters, Fish, Crab ect.) in case of an invasion. All Members of the Conch National Guard are put on Alert.

Its That Time Again Lobster Mini Season Starts

The Skipper — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:45:00 +0000

7 Days and Counting The 2009 Lobster Mini Season starts Wednesday July 29 & 30th. The Conch Republic will be inendated with thousands of Visitors from around the World please remember you are a guest in a foreign country respect are laws, customs and traditions of our tiny country.

Key Largo Conch Celebrations – 2009

The Skipper — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:22:21 +0000

Here’s the calendar of events for the 2009 Conch Republic celebrations in Key Largo.(http://www.keylargoconchrepublicdays.com/)

Friday April 17th
Proclamation of Secession
Snappers, MM 94 at 3 pm.
Join dignitaries, politicians, & friends, as the Northernmost Territories of the Conch Republic is formed. 852-5956 (more info)
Northernmost Territories Flag Raising and Kick-Off Party at Sundowners, 6pm: cabinet installation, music and dancing with drink specials. 451-4502

Saturday April 18th
“Is Your Pet a Conch?” contest begins, Keys Kritters Pet Store. 451-2627
ConchFest: Conch Specials with wine and rum pairings from around the world tonite and for the entire week at Bayside Grille. 451-3880
Corvette Cruisin’ at Largo Cargo, MM 103, 4-8pm: entertainment, food and beverages. 451-4242 (more info)
Keys Cajun Secession Celebration, 6pm-10pm at Rib Daddy’s. MM102.5 food, fun and live Cajun music in the garden. 451-0900

Sunday April 19th
“Start the Day the Conch Republic Way” Breakfast specials at Key Largo Conch House 7am-noon. 453-4844 (more info)
“Anything that Floats” Race from the Caribbean Club to Sundowners. Awards at Sundowners, registration party at Caribbean Club, time TBA. 451-4502
(view more info and rules)

Monday, April 20th
Conch Lovers Feast at Key Largo Conch House, Conch Appetizer, Soup & Entree $29 PP 5-9 pm. 453-4844 (more info)

Tuesday April 21st
Conch Fritter Eating Contest at Encore Restaurant, MM 102.4, 6pm. 451-0650 (more info and application form)

Wednesday April 22
Conch Republic Bed Races Meeting, pole placement and pre-race party at Coconuts, 5pm live music, dancing, drink specials. 453-9794 (entry form)
Conch Republic Progressive Dinner: wine and dine as we transport you for a 5-course conchalicious Keys-themed menu (see menu). 6:30pm. Sue Finney 394-3736

Thursday April 23rd
Opening night of the Conch Republic Texas Hold’em Contest aboard Sun Cruz Casino 6:30pm. Holiday Inn 451-0000
Snappers Turtle Club Prices rolled back to 1982 thru Sunday. 852-5956 (more info)
King and Queen Contest Registration at Snappers. Sign up and get complimentary accessories for your Royal attire. (more info)
Jimmy Buffett Impersonator Contest. Snappers, MM94, 7:30pm. 852-5956 (more info)

Friday the 24th
Texas Hold’em Contest continues on SunCruz.
King and Queen Conch; Crowning of the royal couple at Snappers, 8pm. 852-5956 (more info)

Saturday April 25th
Conch Republic Underwater Treasure Hunt, 8:30am. 451-3020 (Click here for more info and participating dive shows)
By Land or Sea Conch Poker Run, 11 am. Event begins at Sundowners, MM104. 394-3736 (more info)
“Is Your Pet a Conch?” contest finals at Keys Kritters Pet Store, 11am. 451-2627
Conch Republic Music Festival at Shipwrecks from 3pm until you drop. 453-3153
Conch Republic Bed Races at Coconuts, 5pm 453-9794
Conch Cruiser Car Classic at Snappers, 5pm Awards at 7:30pm, live music, dancing. Contact Mark Mills 852-9085 (more info)

Sunday April 26th
“Start the Day the Conch Republic Way” Breakfast specials at Key Largo Conch House 7am-noon 453-4844 (more info)
Closing Ceremonies at Snappers starting at 3pm (more info)
Conch Shell Blowing Contest, Key Lime Pie Eating Contest followed by the Ceremonial Destruction of the Jewfish Creek Bridge, live music dancing and drink specials. Treasure Hunt Awards. 852-5956