The Conch Connection

What weighs over 20 tons, is red, yellow and black, is iconic to Key West, and will be gone for over a year? If you guessed the Southernmost Buoy, you know your trivia!

The buoy as we know it now, was installed in 1983, by the City of Key West and has survived countless storms, hurricanes and vandalism.  The original markers were nothing more that wooden sign, marking the southernmost point. Making them the perfect illegal souvenir of many visits to Key West.

Photo Credit:  Flip Schulke, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Some interesting facts about the "Southernmost Point" is that the current location is actually the lowest latitude, in the contiguous North American states. But, if you go just next door the neighboring property, owned and maintained by the US Navy, that's where you'll actually find the actual southern most point "ON" Key West. BUT, if you travel about 10 miles away from Key West, you'll come to a small privately owned island, Ballast Key. This is the actual location of the southernmost point, in the continental U.S. Are you confused yet? Want more? The inscription on the buoy, claims that it's only 90 miles to Cuba, when it's actually 94 miles! Guess that it's easier to paint a zero, than a four!

1. Getting the temporary buoy ready for a paint job.

2. The colors are on, ready for the lettering.

3. Getting all the lettering done.

4. Getting the new base installed and ready.

5. Transporting the new, temporary buoy along the streets of Key West.

6. Moving the buoy with a forklift.

7. Getting ready to put the buoy in its temporary home.

8. Workers posing with the new monument.

9. Captain Thompson and Mayor Henriquez.

10. The buoy is ready for it's closeup!  All done.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the City of Key West

Despite enduring hurricane after hurricane—and even a Christmas tree gone up in flames beside it—the 20-ton monument has seen its fair share of fresh paint and repairs over the years. But starting in September 2025, this iconic symbol of Key West will be temporarily taken down. In its place, a tough little stand-in will appear at Duval Pocket Park, just around the corner, holding the spot until the original returns.

Why the move? While the buoy itself is fairly indestructible, the surrounding seawall and the actual platform, it sits upon, needs some TLC. So, between now and sometime late 2026, the current location will be closed so that these needed improvements can be made. Thus ensuring a stable base and home to our beloved concrete marker will weather many more storms.