It features commentary by a 104-year-old resident.
The Florida Territorial Legislature established Monroe County, covering the entire 125-mile-long Keys island chain, on July 3, 1823.
The final podcast, titled “Happy 200th Birthday, Florida Keys!” rounds off a 30-episode documentary-style series that celebrates two centuries of the Florida Keys.
It was recorded on-site at more than 25 locations.
Hosted by veteran broadcaster and journalist Elizabeth Harryman Lasley, it has taken listeners through the island chain’s history from the early 1800s to the present.
Commentary and perspectives are provided by Florida Keys historians, community leaders and local personalities.
Topics included shipwreck salvage and maritime heritage, cultural and artistic expression, sport fishing, diversity and Black and Cuban history.
It also focused on the environment and conservation.
The final episode features 104-year-old Key West resident Onelio Gonzalez.
Gonzalez recalls Ernest Hemingway walking the island streets and President Harry S. Truman at his Little White House in Key West.
He also speaks of riding on Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, completed in 1912 and stretching from Florida’s southern mainland throughout the Keys.
The podcast is available on more than 25 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
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