I went to high school in Key West many years ago, 1969. My Fathers wife was a Conch or a Key Wester for many generations. The Conchs have a very tight community. We lived on Whitehead Street right down the street from Hemingway's home with a panoramic view of the ocean. Everyday the ocean had a different look, I feel so gifted to have had that experience.
For fun we would pool hop from motel to motel, when caught jump off their pier. The only time we could surf was during hurricane season, we had so much freedom. My main form of transportation was my bike, it took about 20 minutes to cruise the island. My first job was at the Strand Theater on Duval Street. Back then Duval Street had a lovely ambiance, not saturated with bars and tee shirt shops. We would have our teen dances at Mallory Square, then catch a few kisses from my boyfriend under a palm tree. Because my step-mom was related to everyone my teen troubles were minute.
Fast forward, my parents sold their home in Key West seven years ago and moved to The Villages. My Step-Mom missed Key West everyday until she passed away two years ago. She is buried in Key West with her son and grandson, she is home.
When you go to Key West and if your interested dig into the history of the island, it's fascinating. If not, enjoy the Duval crawl, food, tee shirt shops and beaches. But whatever you do enjoy Key West. I know that island has a special place in my heart and mind.
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J
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