Florida Keys commemorate bicentennial with massive Key lime pie

Big Pine Key, Florida – The Florida Keys, a popular party destination, celebrated a momentous occasion on Monday as it marked its bicentennial. The festivities took place along the Gulf of Mexico, where organizers showcased a colossal Key lime pie measuring over 13 feet in diameter, aiming to secure its place as a world record.

The celebrations commemorated the establishment of Monroe County by the Florida Territorial Legislature on July 3, 1823, highlighting the rich history of the region. Monroe County encompasses all of the picturesque Keys and a portion of the renowned Everglades National Park.

During the Civil War, Key West played a vital role as a Union stronghold, serving as a base for the naval blockade of Confederate shipping. In the early 1900s, Henry Flagler, a wealthy magnate from Standard Oil, spearheaded the construction of the awe-inspiring Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, which earned worldwide recognition as the eighth wonder of the world.

Adding to the historical significance of the area, the Florida Keys boasts the only presidential museum in the state. From 1945 to 1953, President Harry Truman governed the country from his Key West residence, affectionately known as the “Little White House.”

Key lime pie, originating in the late 1800s in Key West, has become an integral part of the cultural heritage of the southernmost island chain in the continental United States. In 2006, the Florida state Legislature designated Key lime pie as the official pie of the state.

This bicentennial celebration unveiled a special rendition of the delectable dessert. Prepared by local chefs, the enormous pie featured a classic graham-cracker crust and a luscious whipped cream topping. It was enhanced by the fresh juice extracted from several thousand Key limes, truly capturing the essence of this iconic Floridian treat.

The event drew crowds and marked a moment of unity and pride for the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. As the festivities came to a close, it was evident that the celebration of the 200th birthday would be remembered as a remarkable milestone in the history of this vibrant and cherished region.

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