2024.12.28 finbar fantasy fest parade.jpg

First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of Conch Military Forces Adm. Finbar Gittelman, right, along with his bride, Julie McEnroe, give a Conch Republic, left-handed salute during the 2023 Fantasy Fest parade. The legendary sea captain, who passed away in 2024, will be honored during this year’s Conch Republic Independence Days celebration.

 ROB O'NEAL/KEYS CITIZEN

Fans and friends of the Conch Republic can celebrate the offbeat “nation’s” 43rd birthday through Sunday, April 27, in Key West, experiencing more than 20 colorful activities ranging from a pirate bash and quirky races to a “sea-to-sea” parade.

conch republic

The Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the Florida Keys’ symbolic secession from the United States — an act inspired by the 1982 establishment of a U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the top of the island chain that virtually stopped traffic on the only road connecting the Keys to mainland Florida.