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: CONTROVERSIAL CHECKPOINT BY FEDS LEADS TO CONCH REPUBLIC FORMATION
All hail the Conch Republic, a shelltastic micronation culled from the drastic need for some serious media spin.
It was 1982, and the war on...
KEYS HISTORY: NOVELIST DETAILS BLACK CAESAR SECRETS
A story republished in “The Jackson Standard” on April 22, 1858 is one of the oldest on record that addresses a pirate named Black...
KEYS HISTORY: ‘ALLIGATOR’ LIBERATES SHIPS FROM PIRATES
The U.S. Schooner Alligator cultivated a rich story over its short life. It begins in the Charlestown Navy Yard near Boston, where the 86-foot...
KEYS HISTORY: LANTERN FUEL PUTS LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS LIVES AT RISK
The story reprinted in the Boston Globe on Nov. 22, 1896, originally appeared in the New York Sun. Jacob Bethel was visiting New York...
KEYS HISTORY: SAND KEY LIGHTHOUSE SAVED LIVES & MARKS THE DECLINE IN WRECKING INDUSTRY
The Havana Hurricane of 1846 is thought to be the first recorded Category 5 hurricane to strike Cuba. As the storm crossed the Straits...
Popular
Sports Wrap
WRESTLERS HIT THE MATS IN TAVERNIER FOR SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN
Keys wrestling teams met in Tavernier on Jan. 17...
Arts & Entertainment Upper Keys
TRAVELING ART EXHIBIT FEATURING 150 UNIQUE CANVASES BEGINS IN KEY LARGO
By Jill Miranda Baker
More than 80 community members, artists...
Arts & Entertainment
IN PICTURES: JIMMY BUFFETT’S CORAL REEFER BAND KEEPS THE PARTY GOING
When Jimmy Buffett passed away in 2023, his instructions...
Breaking News
HUMAN REMAINS FOUND FOLLOWING HURRICANE IRMA IDENTIFIED YEARS LATER AS A KEY LARGO MAN
Human remains found in the Lower Keys following Hurricane...
Crime
MORE THAN 20 KILOS OF COCAINE SEIZED FROM MARATHON CHARTER CAPTAIN
A Marathon charter captain is facing federal charges after...













