As soon as once more, the Conch Republic “seceded the place others failed.”
The mock island republic celebrated its forty third anniversary of independence from April 18-27. The ten-day affair culminated with a Conch Republic victory over the U.S. Coast Guard within the Nice Sea Battle.
The battle happens annually in Key West Harbor, the place good-spirited service members from the Coast Guard take to their boats — and practice their water cannons on the eclectic Conch Republic naval fleet, composed of all the things from historic schooners to snorkel boats.
The Coast Guard in the end surrendered to the island republic and an enduring peace was established — till subsequent 12 months.
The Conch Republic was established on April 23, 1982 in response to a real-life U.S. Border Patrol blockade on the high of the Florida Keys that was crippling site visitors — and tourism — within the island chain. In Key West, Mayor Dennis Wardlow turned a protest right into a public-relations bonanza and “seceded” from the US. The newly shaped Conch Republic declared its independence with a spirited and humorous perspective — then promptly surrendered.
The secession was shortlived, however the celebration of that unbiased island spirit lives on each April.
