​MONROE COUNTY, FL – On Saturday, the Historic Florida Keys Foundation presented two ceramic star awards to Monroe County Project Management for its preservation work of the Pigeon Key Honeymoon Cottage and Commissary buildings. Hurricane Irma heavily damaged both buildings in 2017, knocking them off their foundations. This is Project Management’s sixth preservation award in three years.
 
“This was an incredibly complex and challenging project considering its size and numerous historic hurdles,” said Project Management Director Cary Knight. “Additionally, the project started during COVID, and all the construction materials had to be brought to the island via boat.”
 
Pigeon Key, located off Marathon and connected by the Old 7 Mile Bridge, is best known for its significant role in the construction and operation of the Florida East Coast Railway. Both wood-frame buildings were initially supposed to be temporary and are excellent examples of construction on the island during that time. The commissary building construction started in 1913, and the Honeymoon Cottage, directly adjacent to it, began in 1942.
 
Surviving historical materials, such as doors, windows, flooring, and porch components, were salvaged and reused wherever possible. When required, new material was selected to match the existing historical details, including the original profiles and dimensions. The work also involved removing or replacing non-historic features added over the years.
 
To learn more about Pigeon Key, visit www.pigeonkey.net.
 

​The second Cemetery Stroll to be offered at the Historic Key West Cemetery this season will take place on Sunday February 12th, 2023. During the stroll, small groups of visitors will be escorted to gravesites where interpreters will tell the stories of the deceased in brief monologues. The groups are scheduled for departures at 9:30, 9:50, and 10:10 am. Reservations are necessary, and can be made by calling or texting (305) 304-1453 or by emailing at [email protected].
 
Among the gravesites we plan to visit are those of Carrie Pierce, William Kerr, Charles Dupont, John Bartlum, the Dade Lodge Plot, and the monument Los Martires De Cuba. 
 
The tour will take approximately 90 minutes. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk over a mile on uneven ground. Bottled water will be provided.
 
This is an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about some of the fascinating people who have given Key West its colorful and significant character. Space is limited for the tours and pre-registration is required. A donation of $20 (cash or check) per person to the Historic Florida Keys Foundation is recommended, with all proceeds devoted to cemetery restoration.  Participants may enter the cemetery by either the Windsor Street or Frances Street gate and go to the registration table on Palm Avenue.
 
The last stroll of the season will feature other gravesites and take place on March 5th.
 
The cemetery strolls are sponsored by the City of Key West and the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. 
 

The second Cemetery Stroll to be offered at the Historic Key West Cemetery this season will take place on Saturday February 19, 2022. During the stroll, small groups of visitors will be escorted to gravesites where interpreters will tell the stories of the deceased in brief monologues. The groups are scheduled for departures at 9:30, 9:50, and 10:10. Reservations are necessary, and can be made by calling (305) 304-1453.

Among the gravesites to be visited are those of Frank Adams, Willard Gomez, the Figueredo plot, the Cobo plot, and the Castillo plot.  Special features include the Bahama Village Music Program presenting Ellen Sanchez and Ben Harrison presenting Elena Milagro Hoyos. 

The tour will take approximately 90 minutes. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk over a mile on uneven ground. Bottled water will be provided.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about some of the fascinating people who have given Key West its colorful and significant character. Space is limited for the tours and pre-registration is required. A donation of $20 (cash or check) per person to the Historic Florida Keys Foundation is recommended, with all proceeds devoted to cemetery restoration.  Participants may enter the cemetery by either the Windsor Street or Frances Street gate and go to the registration table on 2nd Ave.

A third stroll featuring other gravesites will take place on March 19th.
​
The cemetery strolls are sponsored by the City of Key West and the Historic Florida Keys Foundation.