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: HOMESTEAD CLAIMS REQUIRED CLEARING LAND, BUILDING HOME & PRODUCING CROPS
Even before Florida became a U.S. territory, Spain’s government tried to give away the largely uninhabited frontier land. In the Spanish territorial years, these...
KEYS HISTORY: ADDERLY FAMILY LEGACY LIVES ON AT KEY VACA
The oldest house in the Florida Keys, outside of Key West, takes a bit of effort to find. It is found in the woods...
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: CONCH STEPIN FETCHIT’S HOLLYWOOD STARDOM
The Lincoln Perry story begins in Key West but does not stay on the island for long. He was born Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew...
KEYS HISTORY: AFRICAN BAHAMIAN PRIVATEER & GROCER THOMAS ROMER LIVED TO BE 108
In a letter written dated March 3, 1935, poet Robert Frost wrote: “The oldest person I could find in the Key West grave yard...
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: ANDREW ‘SANDY’ CORNISH’S JOURNEY TO FREEDOM WASN’T EASY
The Florida Keys are a storied string of islands with tremendous history. Some of those stories are told repeatedly, like when Henry Flagler brought...
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Florida Keys News
ICE AGENT ARRESTED FOR DUI ASKS JUDGE TO END 1-YEAR PROBATION AFTER 2½ MONTHS
An ICE agent who was arrested in August for...
Marathon News
GO UP, OR STAY THE SAME? MARATHON COUNCIL DEBATES VACATION RENTAL FEES
A potential hike to vacation rental license rates will...
Fishing
DUCK KEY CREW PULLS IN 400-POUND SWORDFISH
For Little Torch Key’s captain Matt Pelphrey, his personal...
Arts & Entertainment Key West
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRIGHT LILLIAN ANDREW DIRECTS HER OWN SHOW THIS WEEKEND
It’s 1987 at a diner in Seattle, when the...
Arts & Entertainment Upper Keys
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRIGHT LILLIAN ANDREW DIRECTS HER OWN SHOW THIS WEEKEND
Arts and crafts creators will showcase their finest works...












