Brad Bertelli

The Florida Keys started as something other than a refuge for art and artists. It seems safe to say that the island chain has overcome its initial shortcomings.

Jean Kirke, Patrick Hemingway and John ‘Bumby’ Hemingway playing pirates in the Hemingway Garden, circa 1933-34. THE HERITAGE HOUSE COLLECTION/Contributed

Aerial view of Caesar's Creek, as taken by the federal government on Oct. 7, 1987. WRIGHT LANGLEY COLLECTION/Florida Keys History Center.

Mabel’s Place, circa 1940. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

During Prohibition, there was no shortage of places to acquire alcohol in the Florida Keys. Occasionally, federal Prohibition agents visited those places, often referred to as speakeasies, tea rooms and blind pigs.

Greek sponge diver in Tarpon Springs, 1926. CONTRIBUTED/Florida Memory Project

Aerial of No Name Key showing No Name Key Fishing Lodge by Ferry landing circa 1936. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION

Alabama Jack's at Card Sound. FLORIDA MEMORY PROJECT/Contributed

Smitty’s Fish Camp at Downtown Card Sound. FLORIDA MEMORY PROJECT/Contributed

Map of Indian Key dated 1840. WRIGHT LANGLEY COLLECTION/ Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Library