The formation of the Conch Republic occurred after an April 23, 1982, "secession" motivated by a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint set up unexpectedly at the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, ...

While the Conch Republic never materialized as an actual country, it still exists as a state of mind, symbolizing Key West’s, offbeat, nonconformist nature where the locals enjoy an anything ...

The offbeat republic was born April 23, 1982, shortly after a Border Patrol checkpoint was erected at the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, the lower end of U.S. Highway 1.

So, in a somewhat playful response, on April 23, 1982, Key West’s mayor and other residents formed the Conch Republic, proclaiming itself independent from the United States. Going even further, they ...

Florida Keys celebrate 40th anniversary of Conch Republic. KEY WEST — The 40th anniversary celebration of the Florida Keys’ symbolic secession from the United States, motivated by a 1982 U.S ...

The atmosphere is what separates Conch Republic from other restaurants in Richmond.

However, the Florida Keys is known as the Conch Republic. Mary Lou Smith, right, reacts to a surprise marriage proposal from her boyfriend Rick Race after she won first place in the Conch Shell ...

KEY WEST, Fla. — A sixth-generation Key West resident, who first blew a conch shell as a child, played two shells simultaneously to take top honors Saturday in the island’s 48th annual Conch ...