Brad Bertelli
Brad Bertelli is an author, speaker, Florida Keys historian, and Honorary Conch who has been writing about the local history for two decades. Brad has called the Florida Keys home since 2001. He is the author of eight books, including The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files, a book of historical fiction that blends two of his favorite subjects, the local history and Florida’s Bigfoot, the Skunk Ape. His latest book, Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1, shares fascinating glimpses into the rich and sometimes surprising histories of the Florida Keys. To satisfy your daily history fix, join his Facebook group Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli.
Railroad workers transported to work site
Marathon History
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines peonage as 1. a) the use of laborers bound in servitude because of debt, and b) a system of convict...
STAR-SPANGLED BANNERS
The first American flag to flap over the Florida Keys had 13 stripes and 24 stars. This flag flew from 1822 to 1836.
While the...
WIDENING THE BRIDGE – Keys History
By 1928 it was possible to drive an automobile from Miami to Key West. Well, not all the way to Key West.
The first iteration...
EGAN’S INDIAN KEY, POST OFFICES ARRIVE & FDR GOES FISHING
EGAN’S INDIAN KEY
On Feb. 18, 1829 James Egan placed the following advertisement in the Key West Register and Commercial Advertizer. “For Sale a Valuable...
KEYS HISTORY 19-0207
GOING TROPICAL
Upper Keys History
Ann Housman was born in Staten Island, N.Y. on May 1, 1797. She would marry Thomas Gibson on Feb. 4, 1818...
Popular
Uncategorized
KEYS HISTORY: CAPTURED SPANIARD SHARES A CALUSA STORY
I spend hours and hours researching the local history...
Uncategorized
PAST TWO BEST OF UPPER KEYS YIELDED WINNERS, BIG DONATIONS & A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
If the past two years are any indication, the...
Uncategorized
KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY NAMES ACTING SUPERINTENDENT
The man who coined the phrase “Restoration Blueprint” will...
Uncategorized
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: BILL ELLER IS AN INSPIRATION AT SWITLIK ELEMENTARY
If you visit the Stanley Switlik campus in Marathon,...