U.S. Navy Lt. Matthew Perry wouldn’t recognize the island he claimed for America 200 years ago, but then, many residents find it difficult to recognize the island they chose to call home 25 years ago.
The only thing certain is change, and Key West celebrated 200 years of history and progress on March 25 and 26.
Paul Menta, owner of Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery, spearheaded the celebration, which included a ceremony on March 25 at Mallory Square, where hundreds of residents filled an etched time capsule that will be opened in 50 years. On Saturday evening, Menta’s rum company also sponsored a silent — and thus dog-friendly — drone fireworks show at Truman Waterfront. A company called Sky Elements set up dozens of drones along East Quay Wall and lit the night sky with American flags, the words “Key West, 200 years,” and pictures of sea turtles, ships and dolphins.
Six local schoolchildren were entrusted with giant “keys” with which they will open the time capsule in 2072 to reveal letters, Key West photography books, two bottles of Menta’s locally made rum, One Human Family wristbands and a host of other objects and papers.
Here’s to another 200 years, Key West.
Photos by LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
