Fun in Key West Podcast

Jedwin Smith on Mel Fisher, the Atocha, and Writing "Fatal Treasure" Host Michele from Fun in Key West interviews Jedwin Smith, author of the October book club pick Fatal Treasure, discussing Mel Fisher's long search for the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the persistence behind "Today's the day." Smith recounts accidentally finding the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum during a storm, meeting Fisher the day Fisher went bankrupt, writing early newspaper stories that led his publisher to send him to Key West to join the salvage crew, and eventually diving on the site, including finding emeralds and running out of air before being rescued by Donnie Jonas. He describes the grueling work, major tragedies and deaths tied to the hunt, Fisher's Supreme Court victory, and how Key West changed after the discovery. Smith also outlines his other books, including Our Brother's Keeper about his brother's Vietnam death, and shares where to find his books and his email. 00:00 Welcome and Teaser 01:07 Key West Travel Tip 01:46 Meet the Author 03:20 Rainy Day Museum Visit 06:22 Mel Fisher Encounter 10:22 Press Backlash and Break 12:21 Joining the Salvage Crew 13:59 Atocha Discovery Rush 16:48 First Dive and Emeralds 22:06 Turning Stories Into Book 25:39 Tragedies Behind Treasure 28:11 Why Mel Never Quit 32:07 Royalty Clues and Court Win 33:59 Earning Kane's Trust 36:29 Key West First Impressions 37:54 Emeralds and Marriage Oops 41:19 Books Beyond Atocha 42:28 Finding Jeffs Story 45:14 Revenge to Reconciliation 50:32 Coin Necklace Origin 54:01 Rapid Fire Key West 55:57 Sharks and Barracudas 58:17 What Treasure Means Now 01:00:06 Where to Find the Books 01:02:35 Audience Q and Life Lessons 01:06:39 Final Thanks and Sign Off www.funinkeywest.com/conch

📚 Want to Read Fatal Treasure?

If Mel Fisher, the Atocha, and the people behind the treasure hunt have caught your curiosity, you can grab a copy of Fatal Treasure on Amazon.

A little Fun in Key West housekeeping: This is a paid affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend things I genuinely enjoy, and this book certainly qualifies!

Sign up for the book club here: https://funinkeywest.kit.com/114924dc7f More information at www.funinkeywest.com

Key West in October: Weather, Water Activities, and What to Expect for Fantasy Fest Michele hosts the "Fun in Key West" live show focused on visiting Key West in October, explaining three distinct periods: before Fantasy Fest, during the 10-day Fantasy Fest (Oct 16–25, 2026), and the quieter days after. She covers typical October weather (mid-80s highs, mid-70s lows), warm water around 80–82°F, potential wind and passing storms, and the need for flexible travel plans and insurance due to hurricane season. She highlights water activities (snorkeling, sunset cruises, sandbar trips, kayaking, paddleboarding, glass-bottom boats) and notes sunshine doesn't mean calm seas. Events discussed include the Lower Keys Rotary Fall Festival, Burgers and Buffett Tunes, Reef Fest (Key Largo), Southernmost Half Marathon, Walk on White, and Fantasy Fest features like Goombay Festival, Artisan Market, Zombie Bike Ride, Pet Masquerade, street fair, Grand Parade, and Children's Day, stressing public nudity is illegal though body painting and revealing costumes occur in designated areas. 00:00 October in Key West 03:49 Weather and Hurricanes 07:13 Best Water Excursions 11:09 Before Fantasy Fest 12:04 Early October Events 14:54 Fantasy Fest Explained 16:45 Nudity and Family Tips 18:26 Fantasy Fest Highlights 24:03 First Timer Survival Guide 26:44 After Fantasy Fest 27:38 Shows and Cooking Classes 31:23 Markets and Weekly Fun 35:02 Rapid Fire October FAQs 37:42 Wrap Up and Trip Timing 39:22 Final Thanks and Sign Off www.funinkeywest.com/conch https://funinkeywest.com/key-west-in-october/

Miki Bennett on Writing the Florida Keys Romance Series as Therapy and the Inspiration Behind Runaway to the Keys On the Fun in Key West podcast, Michele O'Connor interviews Charleston-based author and artist Miki Bennett, September book club pick author of Runaway to the Keys. Bennett explains she never planned to write until a doctor urged her to share her and her daughter's medical experiences; unable to write a memoir, she turned it into fiction, launching the Keys to Love series. She describes why the Florida Keys inspire her (Caribbean feel, clear water, relaxed, friendly culture) and how characters often earn their own books after she finishes each story; she wrote her first novel in 30 days and ultimately created five novels and two novellas. They discuss Skylar's theme of choosing your own path, her writing routine, travel's impact, her Camping in High Heels series, a brain injury that paused her writing, future books, favorite Keys spots, and where to find her online. 00:00 From Nonwriter to Fiction 00:40 Meet Miki Bennett 02:50 Why the Florida Keys 04:10 Water Island Vibes 05:18 African Queen Spotlight 06:04 Keys to Love Origin Story 08:50 Building a Book Series 09:44 Writing as Therapy 12:34 Skylar Choosing Her Path 14:55 Garrett and Love Themes 16:10 Real Keys in Fiction 17:28 Rapid Fire Favorites 19:40 Camping in High Heels 21:16 Key West Series Tease 21:33 Wild Travel Mishaps 23:06 Writing From Real Life 23:52 Art After Injury 25:30 Next Books In The Keys 26:25 How Travel Changes You 28:14 Family Vacation Planning 30:04 Keys Rapid Fire Favorites 33:51 Mallory Square Must Do 35:44 Mosaic Sea Turtle Brand 36:38 Where To Find Miki 37:47 Final Thanks And Wrap www.funinkeywest.com/africanqueen

Historic Marker #65: Key West's Old Coca-Cola Bottling Court and the Rumor of Rainwater Coke Michele O'Connor explores Key West Historic Marker #65 at 103 Simonton Street, tracing one site's many lives and how they reflect Key West history. The original building was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1886, which burned about 12 hours, destroyed over 200 buildings across 50 acres, devastated the cigar industry, and may have been linked to tensions around the Cuban Independence Movement. A hardware store rose on the lot by 1892, followed by Jack and Rosa Williams' Jack's Saloon in 1914. In 1923 the building became a Coca-Cola bottling plant, with a local rumor that the Coke may have used cistern-collected rainwater, reflecting Key West's historic freshwater scarcity. The episode also notes reusable deposit glass bottles, the contour bottle, and how the 1938 Overseas Highway made local bottling unnecessary; later uses included offices, clothing stores, liquor distribution, and a key lime pie factory. 00:00 Key West Coke Legend 00:43 Welcome and Setup 02:15 Great Fire of 1886 03:42 Rebuilding and Hardware Era 04:49 Jacks Saloon Days 05:29 Coca Cola Arrives 07:16 Rainwater Cistern Rumor 08:32 Bottles Reuse and Design 09:54 Overseas Highway Changes 11:09 Many Lives of One Building 12:15 Marker Wrap Up and Question 12:58 Final Sign Off

Before the Treasure: The Navy Storehouse Behind the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Michele O'Connor explores the history of the building at 200 Green Street—now the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum—focusing on its earlier life as a U.S. Navy storehouse. Planned in 1902, built from 1908–1910 for $54,791, it was among Key West's most technologically advanced structures, featuring a steel frame constructed by the Penn Bridge Company. The episode explains Key West's strategic naval importance, the working waterfront of the early 1900s, and the role of coal in fueling steam-powered vessels as navies began shifting toward oil and diesel. After 1970s military cutbacks, the property moved to the GSA; Mel Fisher leased it in the early 1980s, purchased it in 1987, and the museum acquired it in 2000. The building's strength supports heavy artifacts and conservation tanks, making it part of the story it now preserves. 00:00 Treasure Building Teaser 00:20 Podcast Welcome Setup 01:32 Meet the Museum Building 02:09 Navy Storehouse Origins 03:37 Why Key West Mattered 04:30 Steel Frame Innovation 05:29 Coal Steamship Era 07:19 Waterfront Transformed 08:19 Sponsor Flora Days 09:21 From Navy to Mel Fisher 10:34 Built for Heavy Artifacts 11:34 Building Is the Exhibit 12:50 Final Takeaway Outro https://funinkeywest.com/floridays/

Unusual and Unique Things to Do in Key West (Thursday Night Live) Michele hosts the Fun in Key West Thursday Night Live show and invites viewers to share unusual Key West experiences beyond staples like Duval Street, Mallory Square sunset, the Southernmost Point, and key lime pie. She recommends exploring Truman Annex, including the Truman Little White House white-glove tour, historic markers, and Art & Historical Society walking tours; and watching Friday sunset from the US Coast Guard Cutter Ingham with 1940s music and drinks. Other ideas include rolling a die for happy-hour cocktail pricing at General Horseplay, taking key lime pie-making classes at the Key West Key Lime Pie Company, attending Key West Cooking Show demonstrations and cocktail classes (with Bar One), touring iWitness True Crime (real crimes, 17+), visiting Robert the Doll, exploring West Martello's gardens, visiting Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden parrot sanctuary, seeing rescued birds at the Key West Wildlife Center and animals at the Sheriff's Animal Farm, taking alternative sunset options (Fort Zachary Taylor, sails, sandbar charters), and biking with local guide Lloyd. 00:00 Welcome and Theme Song 01:49 Why Go Beyond Duval 03:55 Explore Truman Annex 07:36 Sunset on the Ingham 08:59 Dice Roll Happy Hour 10:40 Make Your Own Key Lime 12:42 Cocktail Classes and Rum 14:14 True Crime Walking Tour 16:06 Robert the Doll and Forts 18:41 Secret Garden Parrots 20:09 Alternative Sunsets 22:10 Wildlife Rescues and Bike Tour 24:15 Wrap Up and Next Week www.funinkeywest.com/crime www.funinkeywest.com/unusual things to do in Key West

The San Carlos Institute: Key West's "House of Cuba" on Duval Street Michele O'Connor of the Fun in Key West podcast tells the story of the San Carlos Institute at 516 Duval Street, a pivotal site for Cuban exiles and Cuba's independence movement. Founded in 1871 on Ann Street by leaders José Dolores Pollo and Juan Maria Reyes and funded largely by Cuban cigar workers, it became an early bilingual, integrated school teaching in English and Spanish. José Martí addressed a major gathering there on January 3, 1892, urging unity that helped lead to the Cuban Revolutionary Party, and he called it "La Casa Cuba." The institute celebrated Cuban independence on May 20, 1902, survived fires, hurricanes, and collapse, was rebuilt with $80,000 from the Republic of Cuba and architect Francisco Centurion, closed in 1973 after condemnation, then was restored and reopened in January 1992. Today it operates as a free-admission museum, library, gallery, theater, and educational space. 00:00 Duval Street Mystery 01:19 Sponsor Key West Food 02:01 Meet San Carlos 03:11 Origins on Ann 04:16 Bilingual School Firsts 05:28 Marti Unites Exiles 07:28 Independence Celebration 08:12 Fire Hurricane Rebuilds 09:53 Politics Closure Collapse 10:55 Restoration Comeback 11:51 Visit San Carlos Today 12:22 Why It Matters 13:31 Wrap Up and Subscribe www.funinkeywest.com/foodtour

Key West in September: Weather, Crowds, and Can't-Miss Events The host explains why September can be an overlooked but rewarding time to visit Key West: summer crowds are gone, the island is quieter, and you may find lodging deals, though some businesses close so visitors should check schedules. They address hurricane season expectations, noting heat (highs around 89–90°F), frequent but typically brief showers, and the need for flexible plans, refundable bookings, and possibly travel insurance. Suggestions include wandering less-busy streets, the historic seaport and Bahama Village, visiting galleries, historic sites (Hemingway House, Truman Little White House, Audubon House), and trying activities like snorkeling, food tours, sunset sails, and the Dry Tortugas (which books ahead). Featured September events include Women's Fest, Just a Few Friends (Jimmy Buffett celebration), Brew Fest, First Fridays on Fleming, the Barbecue Rib Battle, Monday night jazz jams, Walk on White, Comedy Key West, Happy Hour with the Historian, and other regional activities. 00:00 September Trip Question 01:09 Show Intro And Theme 02:40 September Island Vibe 04:53 Weather And Hurricanes 10:04 Wandering And Local Spots 14:21 Try New Experiences 15:18 September Events Guide 21:46 How To Plan Your Days 24:17 Who Should Visit 26:29 Wrap Up And Resources https://funinkeywest.com/key-west-in-september/

Winging It in Key West: Trip Recap, New Favorites, and Classic Tours Michele O'Connor hosts the Fun in Key West podcast with her husband Kevin, recapping their recent Key West trip and announcing a new weekly Thursday 8:00 PM ET live format. They highlight their first-night tradition at Conch Republic Seafood Company (mahi sandwich, Key West shrimp) and meeting travelers who were "winging it," then visiting the Green Parrot for live music. They review staying at La Concha (Marriott) for its unbeatable Duval location and live music but note limited nighttime outdoor space and bar crowding. New favorites include Kaya Eats (weekend breakfast, snapper sandwich, karaoke room) and Red Shoe Bistro (reservation-only seatings, standout flavors, lavender cheesecake). They also discuss Key West Island Books, Lobsterfest, the Mel Fisher Museum, Hemingway House gardens, Bali Bar, First Legal Rum Distillery piña colada, Doing Work Coffee, Squirrel & Grouper, and tours via Old Town Trolley/Conch Train/Graves & Gravestones with a promo code, plus scooter safety and Kevin's travel services. 00:00 Winging Key West Intro 00:50 Live Show and Guest 02:38 Sponsor Old Town Trolley 03:26 Conch Republic Bar Night 07:34 Green Parrot Music Stop 09:27 Staying at La Concha 12:41 La Concha Pros and Cons 15:10 Kaya Eats Hidden Gem 18:54 Books and Lobsterfest 20:36 Mel Fisher Museum Visit 22:53 Red Shoe Bistro Find 27:13 Back to Sponsor and Tours 28:24 Conch Train Teaser 28:52 Conch Train Tips 31:23 Old Town Trolley Guide 34:42 Graves and Gravestones 37:50 Tour Discounts Link 38:15 Kevin Top Three 41:29 Michele Favorites 46:00 Doing Work Coffee 49:21 Trip Highlights Recap 50:32 Scooter Safety Warning 55:56 Travel Planning Outro www.funinkeywest.com/conch promo code 7219

The House That Moved: The Sawyer-Navarro House's Key West Adventure Michele O'Connor shares the story of the Sawyer-Navarro House, a two-and-a-half story classic revival home now at 426 Elizabeth Street in Key West that originally stood at Duval and Fleming. Built for master ship carpenter and businessman John T. Sawyer after the Great Fire of April 7, 1886 destroyed his first mansion, the rebuilt home reflected Sawyer's wide-ranging ventures, including ship-related businesses, banking, city service, and operating the steamboat City of Key West with service to Baltimore. As Duval Street became more commercial, Sawyer sold the property in 1912 for a planned Kress five-and-dime store site, and the entire house was moved to Elizabeth and Fleming. Daniel and Eva Navarro later bought it; Daniel built an automobile business, and the family kept the home for 70 years. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. 00:00 A House That Moved 03:09 Meet the Sawyer Navarro 04:11 John Sawyer Builder Extraordinaire 04:19 Great Fire of 1886 07:12 Duval Street Turns Commercial 08:10 Moving a Mansion in 1912 09:00 Navarro and the Auto Era 10:16 What the House Witnessed 11:25 Walk the Story Yourself 12:38 Historic Status and Key Takeaway 13:21 Wrap Up and Subscribe www.funinkeywest.com/ghost