Brad Bertelli
Brad Bertelli is a respected historian, author, speaker, and Honorary Conch based in the Florida Keys. Since arriving on Plantation Key in 2001, he has dedicated over 20 years to researching and interpreting the history of the island chain.
Brad has published 10 books, including his acclaimed series Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli (Volumes 1, 2, and 3), with Volume 4, The Great Florida Keys Road Trip, forthcoming.
For regular updates on local history, you are invited to join the Facebook group “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli.” To learn more, please visit: www.bradbertelli.com.
KEYS HISTORY: PLANTATION KEY YACHT HARBOR UNDERWENT SEVERAL OWNERSHIP CHANGES BEFORE BECOMING A PARK
Plantation Key Yacht Harbor was developed by Dr. J. M. Renedo and Thomas Renedo. The brothers were born in Key West.
On Dec. 15, 1940,...
KEYS HISTORY: WHY IS THERE A REEF CALLED LOOE KEY?
I was done writing about the Great Florida Keys Road Trip when Mile Marker 0 came out in August. I need to save some...
KEYS HISTORY: WEATHERING STORM SEASON
Some people say Florida doesn’t have seasons. They are wrong. They might not be traditional seasons, but they come around as surely as spring...
KEYS HISTORY: THE LEGEND OF BOAT CAPTAIN BILL SMITH
Bill Smith holds a special place in fishing history. He showed up in the Keys as a 19-year-old.
In 1928, Smith was approved for a...
KEYS HISTORY: RECALLING THE WEATHER REPORT AND A FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE LABOR DAY HURRICANE
Elvis Presley was born in 1935. Porky Pig made his Looney Tunes debut the same year. Additionally, Babe Ruth hit his 714th (and final)...
Popular
Education
IN PICTURES: MARATHON BIDS FAREWELL TO THE CLASS OF 2026
A gym packed to the brim cheered on the...
Upper Keys Community
CHEERS TO THE GRADS: CORAL SHORES SENIORS SECURE DIPLOMAS
The Coral Shores High School Class of 2026 received...
Education
IN PICTURES: DOLPHINS SWIM ON AFTER SWITLIK MOVING UP CEREMONY
Seventy-nine fifth graders stood together as elementary school students...
Politics & Government
GEORGE LOPEZ ENTERS COUNTY COMMISSION RACE
A county commission race heated up this week, when...
Hurricane News
PREPARING FOR HURRICANE SEASON IS ESSENTIAL
Dear Key West residents and visitors:
As we enter hurricane...













