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: STARCK’S FISHING CAMP EVOLVED INTO A ROADSIDE ATTRACTION ON LOWER MATECUMBE
Early Spanish charts identify the island as Matecumbe la Vieja. The 1774 Romans chart called it Vieja Matacomb. The following year, on Gauld’s 1775...
KEYS HISTORY: THE ISLANDS OF SHARK KEY, BIG COPPITT & GEIGER
In the Lower Keys, near MM 12, Shark Key is announced by a building with a beautiful blue-tiled roof. The long, thin island sitting...
KEYS HISTORY: EXPLOITATION OF FLORIDA KEYS WILDLIFE LEADS TO CRITICAL PROTECTIONS
When Key West was organizing and systems were being put into place, the town council made a declaration that appeared in the island’s first...
KEYS HISTORY: THE SEVEN MILE BRIDGE AND PIGEON KEY
One of the premier passages along the Overseas Highway is crossing the Seven Mile Bridge. The views are spectacular and should be experienced in...
KEYS HISTORY: FAT DEER KEY, COCO PLUM BEACH & VACA CUT
In the Middle Keys, between Curry Hammock State Park and Key Vaca, is Fat Deer Key. Historically, it is a small group of islands.
In...
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