Originally Posted by Steve (Post 1820522)

Since I am bored and stuck at work for at least another 30 minutes or so, here is a history lesson for those interested (on even those who are not).

The Conch Republic

The Conch Republic is a micronation declared as a tongue-in-cheek secession of the city of Key West, Florida from the United States on April 23, 1982. It has been maintained as a tourism booster for the city since. Since then, the term "Conch Republic" has been expanded to refer to "all of the Florida Keys, or, that geographic apportionment of land that falls within the legally defined boundaries of Monroe County, Florida, northward to 'Skeeter's Last Chance Saloon' in Florida City, Dade County, Florida, with Key West as the nation's capital and all territories north of Key West being referred to as 'The Northern Territories'."

While the protest that sparked the creation of the Conch Republic (and others which have occurred since then) have been described by some as "tongue-in-cheek", they were motivated by frustrations over genuine concerns. The original protest event was motivated by a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock and checkpoint which greatly inconvenienced residents and was detrimental to tourism in the area.

The Conch Republic celebrates Independence Day every April 23 as part of a week-long festival of activities involving numerous businesses in Key West. The organization – a "Sovereign State of Mind," seeking only to bring more "Humor, Warmth and Respect" to a world in sore need of all three according to its Secretary General, Peter Anderson – is a key tourism booster for the area.

(Credit where credit is due: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conch_republic)

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 1820549)

Originally Posted by smitty81 (Post 1820581)

:rd

Let me guess, You're going to be here all next week right Tom?

Originally Posted by Genetic Defect (Post 1820578)

Cliff notes?

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 1820584)

The Conch Republic is a micronation.

Originally Posted by Genetic Defect (Post 1820592)

Very cool, one of these days we should :herf there

Originally Posted by Blueface (Post 1820609)

Well, we came close.
Remember our Key Largo trip?
Fish House?
Key Lime pie?
Rum Runners?
Cuban coffe?
Bill's Island Smoke Shop?
Great trip.

Originally Posted by Genetic Defect (Post 1820616)

That was definitely a trip I'll never forget :) had an awesome time. Thanks to the South Florida crew:dance:

Originally Posted by Blueface (Post 1820617)

Was that you, Alex, Nelson and me?
I am ready to do it again any time.
Heck, let's head on down to Conch Republic. Only about an hour and a half further. for dinner, Conch Republic restaurant on the water and for lunch, Bo's. Bo's has best fish sandwich on Earth.

Originally Posted by Genetic Defect (Post 1820578)

Cliff notes?

Originally Posted by SvilleKid (Post 1820636)

???? What about my notes???
:D

Originally Posted by Genetic Defect (Post 1820647)

:r well played and lmao funny :lr

Originally Posted by Blueface (Post 1820651)

I think we are due for a road trip.
All this "keys" talk has me longing for a drive.
Bo's
Louie's Back Yard
Conch Republic
Fish House
Encore
Island Smoke Shop
Islamorada Seafood Co

Life is good!!!

Originally Posted by Blueface (Post 1820609)

Cuban coiffe?

Originally Posted by Bigwaved (Post 1820668)

Originally Posted by Blueface (Post 1820671)

Just realized, no more Friday martinis. Can't freaking spell coffee. :r

Dave, make a cross country trip. You won't regret a trip to the keys with us.

Originally Posted by SvilleKid (Post 1820636)

???? What about my notes???
:D