The Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome renowned Florida Keys historian, author, and speaker Brad Bertelli as the featured guest for its May luncheon—an event that promises to be as entertaining as it is enriching for Ocean Reef Club members.
A native of Southern California, Bertelli has called the Florida Keys home since 1989. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Miami and has lived on Plantation Key since 2001. Many may recognize his work from his time curating Islamorada’s Keys History & Discovery Center or from his widely read columns in Keys Weekly. Through his writing, speaking engagements, and his popular “Tasting Florida Keys History” program at Robbie’s Marina, Bertelli has become one of the region’s most engaging storytellers—bringing the rich and colorful past of the island chain to life.
At the May 6 luncheon, Bertelli will present Florida Keys Firsts: Bonefish, Key Lime Pie, and the Conch Republic—a lively exploration of the stories that helped shape the culture and identity of the Keys. From the first bonefish ever caught on a fly, to the origins of the iconic Key lime pie, to the spirited founding of the Conch Republic, this presentation will weave together history, humor, and local pride.
While not all of these historic “firsts” took place on Key Largo, each shares meaningful ties to Ocean Reef and the surrounding Upper Keys. In fact, Key Largo played a notable role in the founding of the Conch Republic—a story that remains one of the most beloved and talked-about moments in Keys history. Bertelli will connect these stories back to the Ocean Reef community, offering a perspective that is both locally relevant and deeply rooted in the broader narrative of the Florida Keys.
This is more than just a luncheon—it’s an opportunity to experience the stories behind the place we are fortunate to call home, told by one of its most passionate historians. For those who appreciate the unique character, charm, and legacy of the Florida Keys, this presentation is not to be missed.
