
Long noted for their physical beauty, the Florida Keys share a history as colorful as the people who live here. Over the years, the Keys have hosted Caloosa Indians, Spanish explorers, English pirates, American presidents, authors, artists and smugglers, exerting a mysterious hold over both residents and visitors alike.
In the 1900s, the Keys became more accessible thanks to one of history's great feats of engineering: The Overseas Railroad, which reached Key West in 1912. Partially destroyed in the Labor Day hurricane of 1935, the railroad's bridges, including the famous Seven-Mile Bridge, served as the roadbed for the original Overseas Highway connecting the Keys to the mainland. Encirled by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Overseas Highway has recently been designated a Florida Scenic Highway.
Courtesy of http://www.mile-markers.org/

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1110 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725
Website
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Our local economy leans towards goods and services for both new residents and tourists.The retail, construction and hotel industries have the most employees in Monroe County.
Business Size
Monroe County is comprised of primarily small businesses.
Since there is no state or local income tax, you take home more.
Employment: The good news. Key West has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.
Why? Key West is one of the most popular destination points in the world for Divers, Boaters, Fishermen and people looking to get out of the bad weather and enjoy our water and the unique ambiance of Key West and the neighboring islands
So What. In addition to people flying and driving in, on average we get two to three Cruise ships from all over the world each day. This has spurred a growth which includes more hotels, condos, and restaurants, charters, etc. Obviously all these new startups plus all the existing ones need people.
So. The bad news for an Employer!
Employers have a hard time finding full time or year round employees. Instead they get people looking to work summers or to pay for extended vacations. Now there is nothing wrong with this and in some cases this is what they want however in most cases they would like to find steady year round help and offer full benefits.
The good news for you.
If you are looking for a steady job, have your own transportation and a good work ethic (will show up) there are lots of jobs to be had. For instance in the building, remodeling trade contractors have a very hard time getting reliable help. Some of these jobs start at $15.00 per hour. In general retail jobs start at $8.00 and quickly go to $10.00 and more with commissions.
Sound too good to be true. Remember this is a resort area, which has a unique and completely different makeup than the rest of the country or world. Kind of like Aspen except that we get tourists year round!
To look for jobs in the classifieds go to www.keysjobs.com or www.keynoter.com
Some statistics:
• Construction 5.4%
• Education & Health Services 12.3%
• Financial Activities 6.0%
• Information 1.3%
• Leisure & Hospitality 32.6%
• Manufacturing 0.8%
• Natural Resources & Mining 0.4%
• Other Services 3.5%
• Professional & Business Services 7.8%
• Public administration 8.8%
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities 21.2%
About the Florida Keys and Key West recreation
Miles of oceanfront and Gulf front access await you in the Keys.
Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are the most important assets of the Keys.
The fishing and boating here is incredible-both in the Ocean and the back-country (the Gulf). There is something
to catch year round and our weather lets you do it. If you like the water, this is the place
Recreational Opportunities:
• 47 Marinas
• 13 Parks,
• 3 Golf Courses
• 10 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
• 13 public Tennis Courts
• 18 Boat Ramps
•
• To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see
• the sites below
Things to do outdoors:
• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean, Gulf or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades
• Windsurfing the flats
Other places to visit.
• Audubon House- original Audubon engravings (not Audubon's residence)
• Conch Tour Train-
• Curry Mansion Inn - 305 294-5349 511 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Haitian Art Co. - 305 296-8932, 600 Francis St., Key West FL 33040
• Heritage House Museum - 305 296-3573, 410 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Historic Seaport at Key West Bight.
• Key West Aquarium - 1 Whitehead St., Mallory Market
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Custom House - 281 Front Street, Key West FL 33040
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502. Built in 1829. This is Key West's oldest house.
Pro Sports
• A 2-3 hour drive to Miami:
• Florida Marlins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-626-7400
• Miami Dolphins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-620-2578
• Miami Heat
• 601 Biscayne Blvd, American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL 33132-1801 · 786-777-432

Builtt in 1920, Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club is a flawless merging of old Key West ambiance and contemporary luxury. Immerse yourself in a restful haven where emerald lawns meet a blue Atlantic - welcoming stunning sunrises each day. Come to the "house by the sea" enveloped in breezy elegance and shaded by graceful palms.
The Premier Place To Escape Among Key West Hotels And Resorts
Enjoy a taste of tropical living at the most legendary choice of Key West hotels and resorts - Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club. Nestled along the southern edge of the island - spanning more than 1,100 feet of private beach - our comfortably restyled modern accommodations with wireless Internet access provide a luxurious hideaway for travelers. Listed in the National Register for Historic Places, this landmark resort has attracted business tycoons, artists, and dignitaries since the 1920s. Be a part of this tradition. Bask among soaring palms trees, blooming native flowers, and sweeping ocean views. Sample the renowned nightlife of nearby Duval Street offering a large array of restaurant options. Or the charming attractions of historic Old Town. Enjoy famed Key West water sports - from jet skiing around Key West to diving in America's only living barrier reef. Lounge in warm sunshine on the largest secluded beach. Delight in a sophisticated stay in a cool atmosphere within this Key West Florida hotel, featuring true Caribbean flavor in a vibrant location:
Located on the largest private beach in Key West, Florida
A short walk from Southernmost Point U.S.A, the Key West Aquarium, Ernest Hemingway's House and President Truman's House
Minutes from the vibrant attractions and nightlife of Duval Street and historic Old Town
Easy access to world-class water sports, including deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, and diving in America's only living barrier reef
Only three miles from Key West International Airport (EYW)

Premier resort living at the brand new Beachside Resort & Conference Center! This top floor end unit has incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Key West sunsets. Flexible floor plan (one bedroom and full luxury bath can be rented separately) and two transient rental licenses offer the owner great income opportunities. Unit has a dedicated parking space and is being offered fully furnished. Luxurious pool and spa, meticulously kept grounds and onsite dining and entertainment. One of the owners is a Florida State Licensed Real Estate Broker.Listing #107575
$1,899,000 (LP)

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725
at the brand new Beachside Resort & Conference Center! This top floor end unit has incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Key West sunsets. Flexible floor plan (one bedroom and full luxury bath can be rented separately) and two transient rental licenses offer the owner great income opportunities. Unit has a dedicated parking space and is being offered fully furnished. Luxurious pool and spa, meticulously kept grounds and onsite dining and entertainment. One of the owners is a Florida State Licensed Real Estate Broker.
Listing #107575
$1,899,000 (LP)

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725
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