I just spent a month in Key West

[Boo's Mom]

Hi, folks. 

I just did a land vacation in Key West for 30 days. 

An amazing place - a true culinary delight. 

 

Anyway, along the way I took the opportunity to talk to the locals about 

the whole cruise ship industry/Key West issue. 

 

Don't shoot the messenger. 

 

Key West does not need the cruise ship business. 

And, with Florida being a "free" state, they are getting extra business pouring 

into their economy. 

 

Some touched on the "we don't want the ship passengers bringing in a virus" issue, which can 

easily be countered with "you have tourists flying and driving in/out of Key West every day". 

[Hlitner]

Your observation is similar to mine (posted a long time ago).  Cruise ship passengers (which often include myself) tend to overestimate their popularity (and economic influence) on ports.  The residents made it clear (with 3 referendums) that they do not want cruise ships or cruise passengers.   On the other hand, like in much of our country (including Washington DC) the politicians who live elsewhere know what is best :(.

 

Hank

[Anyislandwilldo]

Lucky you to spend a whole month there!

[IDL]

On 9/4/2021 at 2:45 PM, Boo's Mom said:

Hi, folks. 

I just did a land vacation in Key West for 30 days. 

An amazing place - a true culinary delight. 

 

Anyway, along the way I took the opportunity to talk to the locals about 

the whole cruise ship industry/Key West issue. 

 

Don't shoot the messenger. 

 

Key West does not need the cruise ship business. 

And, with Florida being a "free" state, they are getting extra business pouring 

into their economy. 

 

Some touched on the "we don't want the ship passengers bringing in a virus" issue, which can 

easily be countered with "you have tourists flying and driving in/out of Key West every day". 

What does Florida being a “free state” mean?  The last I checked all the States of the Union are “free”.

[Rothko1]

Well, Key West is the Conch Republic.  So technically is it really part of the US still?

 

🙂

 

Question for the OP:  Did you get out to the Dry Tortugas?  I hope you did.

[Joebucks]

On 9/10/2021 at 7:19 PM, Hlitner said:

The residents made it clear (with 3 referendums) that they do not want cruise ships or cruise passengers.   On the other hand, like in much of our country (including Washington DC) the politicians who live elsewhere know what is best :(.

 

Hank

 

As opposed to other spots that want tourists?