Key West

Florida’s pristine waters are its calling card for tourists, who are now returning to the state in record numbers. But what happens when crushing numbers of visitors harm the natural environment that draws them?

Sister Louis Gabriel went through devastating storms in 1909, 1910 and 1919. She guided local students to build a grotto based on the one at Lourdes, and invited people to pray there.

For as long as Key West has been around, booze has been a big part of island life. Historian Cori Convertito takes us on a tour through time of Key West's bars, saloons and grog shops.

The crew from the USS Shark raised the American flag over Key West for the first time on March 25, 1822. Now the ship's logbook is part of local historic archives.

Key West will celebrate its bicentennial with a time capsule. But locals are learning that an earlier capsule marking the island's 150th anniversary is AWOL.

A new state law aimed at preventing derelict vessels will require boats anchored offshore in the Keys to move at least every 90 days. Boaters say that will make them less safe. They also want more training and sheltering options during rough weather.

A new law that Gov. DeSantis signed this week at the Plant City Strawberry Fest designates strawberry shortcake as the official state dessert. That's leaving a tart taste in the mouths of Key lime pie backers.

A bill in the Florida Legislature would bring a 90-day anchoring limit in the Keys closer by reducing the number of new moorings near Key West from 250 to 100 before it can take effect.

Coffee Butler was one of Key West's favorite entertainers, so beloved the city named its new waterfront amphitheater in his honor.

Two men are accused of torching a Christmas tree next to the buoy.

The iconic buoy-shaped Southernmost Point marker was charred in the early morning hours of New Year's Day — but repairs are already underway.

Webcam images of the buoy show two people lighting a Christmas tree on fire near the marker.