IN PICTURES: KEY WEST SCREAMS ‘GAY’ DURING PRIDE CELEBRATION

Key West’s Pride celebration, organized by the Key West Business Guild drenched the island in color from June 1-5.

Although a storm named Alex was not on the guest list, it left town in time for the island’s colorful parade on June 5, but left a canceled Saturday street fair in its wake.

Pride Follies variety show at Key West Theater provided an early start to the celebration with comedians, singers, drag queens and dancers.

The Island House Resort hosted its annual Pride kickoff, welcoming women for one evening a year to the all-male resort. 

The celebration included boat trips, drag shows, pool parties and culinary events, and culminated with the annual Pride parade that packed Duval Street with people from all walks of life. 

The Southernmost City recently was ranked No. 2 in the nation for Pride destinations, according to a survey by Vacasa vacation rental company. Portland, Oregon ranked No. 1, followed by Key West, San Diego, Provincetown and New Orleans.

Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.